University of Virginia Library

The Sabbath

Bright is the morn, and hushed is every sound,—
For e'en the sea has stilled its tossing breast;—
With reverent looks the seamen gather round,
And, with the passengers, from labor rest.
Hark, rising on the still, bright morning air,
Their blended voices charm the listening deep;
Succeeded by the solemn words of prayer,
As, on the ocean, they the sabbath keep:
The preacher then his lesson doth impart,
Drawn from God's Word, and works, which they behold;
His simple teachings touch and cheer the heart,
As he the text of Scripture doth unfold,
Of Trust in God; on sea, as on the land;
Who holds us ever in his mighty hand.
Poem No. 79; c. 1878–80