University of Virginia Library

The ship was sweeping homeward in her pride,
With white sails swelling o'er the deep green sea,
On which the spirits of the moonlight danced
In wavering cotillions, to the tones
Of glad old ocean's everlasting song
The night sat still and silent, 'neath the arch
Of her blue airy temple, whence the meek,
And deep bright glances of heaven's watchers look
On all earth's deeds. Oh! if heaven registers
But half the acts they witness, what a score
Will blast the conscience of a guilty world,
When doomsday's book is opened!
But the ship,
In majesty of motion riding on,
Bore in her bosom many living souls,
Of various tempers, fortunes, hopes, and aims.
First were the gallant crew. The officers,
Each steady to his trust, and well aware
That this fair vessel's destiny, the fates
Of all on board, depended on their care.
The brave tars next, each to his duty true,
Stood firmly at his post, or climbed the shroud,
Or held the flying tackle; ready still
To catch and execute the master's word.
These fearless men had whole and noble hearts,
That proudly spurned at danger, and they seemed
To have no thought or purpose, separate
From that fair moving palace. Yet the eye
That looks into the spirit, could discern
Deep thoughts of home, with its rich holy loves,
Playing around their hearts, as silently
They paced the deck, or cast along the wave
The tender anxious glance, or look toward heaven,
With supplication on the sunburnt face.
Ah, yes, the roving sailor has a heart;
His steel-cased breast is full of tenderness,
Which gushes ever at the blessed word, Home.
And these were dreaming, sleeping or awake,
Of joys and welcomes waiting for them there.