The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker Edited from the original manuscripts and annotated copies together with a prefatory notice and bibliography by Alfred Wallis |
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“BE OF GOOD CHEER!” |
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 | The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker |  |
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“BE OF GOOD CHEER!”
Come, stand upon the deck, and fish for men!Let down and haul, it is Saint Andrew's Day;
Take we the allotted side, and watch for prey!
We toil all night for nought!—we cast again:
They who are fain a multitude to hold,
Break their smooth gear, and not a fish enfold!
The meek and patient catch not: tell me then
What is our vision?—what the crafty toil
Whereby to win the draught and share the spoil?
It was on such a day—the where and when—
Empty the basket—desolate and bare
The ship of Galilee—yet, faithful there,
The brethren watch'd the deep with patient ken—
Simon and Andrew sate, and calm on board
Mended their nets—and waited for the Lord!
St. Andrew's Day, 1849.
| The poetical works of Robert Stephen Hawker | |