University of Virginia Library


163

WHEN MY SHIP WENT DOWN.

I.

Sank a palace in the sea,
When my ship went down;
Friends whose hearts were gold to me—
Gifts that ne'er again can be—
'Neath the waters brown.
There you lie, O Ship, to-day,
In the sand-bar stiff and gray!
You who proudly sailed away
From the splendid town.

II.

Now the ocean's bitter cup
Meets your trembling lip;
Now on deathly woes you sup;
And your humbled pride looks up
From Disaster's grip.
Ruin's nets around you weave;
But I have no time to grieve;
I will promptly, I believe,
Build another ship.