THOMAS BIRREL'S DEATH.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 212, 2 August 1878, Page 2

THOMAS BIRREL'S DEATH.

j 12 yA. H. . Wi nsr a . [The following lines were written a few hours after tiicT death of Thomas Birrol, "'ho j-aa a passenger to Now Zealand in tho ship William Davie. He was drowned oil' the Cape of Good Hope.] Far, far away from any land (The wind is blowing free) Our vessel scuds with easy sail On the dark and stormy sea. A passenger sat on ths rail Talking to his mate, Thinking nought of what was near, Nor the sad approaching fate. " Look out !" was on hit* messmate's lips, But, e'er he caught the word, Swift the stay-sail sheet it came, And knocked him overboard ! Man overboard ! Man overboard ! Was passed from lip to lip ; Man overboard ! — it sent dismay Throughout our noble ship, " Helm down, and call all hands !" Were ordors { * Henry" gave, As the man receded— fast Moved tho swelling wave ! i ."And run the foreyard to the wind; Get the small boat out ! Hun aloft, some hands, my lads, And keep yom* .eyes about 1" We threw him lines, we lowor'd tho boat,We cut tlie buoy's away - Bnt we'll never see luui more Until the judgment day, The boat was lowered without delay, Aud all was done to save . A precious life, but all. in vain — He found, a watery grave. What agony must have passed Throughout poor Birrel's frame, When he" knew his grave he'd find Beneath the raging maiu. I I think, my lads, 1 see him move As after us he swam — I'll ne'er forget tbe look he gave . Wliiie I'm a living man ! The boat returned without poor Tom — He met his destined doom ; His death haa spread throughout the ship An universal gloom. . Far from the scenes of early youth, . That mirth and pleasure gave - The clothes he wore his whidiug sheet The mighty sea his grave ! Cod rest- his soul !we hone that he Is in a better land, ."X ■ , For by this time. Tom Birrel knows The awful secret grand ! He's gone to another world, • He hi*.."*- left fa's one of strife, ' ! And may hk BSine be written- down In the Almighty \b Book of Life !