OUT AT SEA.

Hawke's Bay Times, Issue 1547, 3 February 1874, Page 101

OUT AT SEA.

ARGOSY. Far on the deep mid-ocean tossed, Leagues away from the friendly shore. In the watery wilderness lost, Driven and deafened by rush and roar, Baffled by wind and wave are we; What sweet home-spirits may there be Sadly pondering on our wandering Wide and wearisome out at sea ? Lying here in my tossing bed, I dream of ruin, and rock, and wreck — Hearing the slow continuous tread Of the sailor who walks the deck, Keeping his long watch patiently, Gentler watchers on shore there be, Eyes which weep for us, leaviug sleep for nsi Fond watch keep for us out at sea ! In at the narrow window there Drifts the ocean wind, wild and damp, Frightening into flicker and flare, The feeble flame of the swinging lamp. Yet, though lonesome and dark it be, , There are places where steadily Faith's fires burn for us, true hearts mourn ! for us, Dear arms yearn for us out at sea ! Blinded and beaten by wind and foam, ' Hurled and tossed at the sea's command, Sweet the thought that in some dear home, Steady and still on the solid land, Where our hopes and our memories be, ■ Safely harbored from storm and seaLove takes heed for us—love's lips plead for us— Love's prayers speed for us out at sea ! Night and darkness, and storm and clouds, Creak of cordage and shudder of sails; Drifting drearily through the shrouds, There is a murmur of mournful wailsDirges sung for the lost at sea, Where the tempest is fierce and free ; Father, hear to us. bend Thine ear to us— Be Thou near to us—out at Sea! —Ship Mercury, at sea, Nov., 18—