For England when with favoring gale
Our gallant ship up channel steered,
And, scudding under easy sail,
The high blue western land appeared;
To heave the lead the seaman spring,
And to the pilot cheerly sung,
” By the deep — nine! “
And bearing up to gain the port,
Some well-known object kept in view, —
An abbey-tower, a harbor-fort,
Or beacon to the vessel true;
While oft the lead the seaman flung,
And to the pilot cheerly sung,
” By the mark — seven! “
And as the much-loved shore we near,
With transport we behold the roof
Where dwelt a friend or partner dear,
Of faith and love a matchless proof.
The lead once more the seaman flung,
And to the watchful pilot sung,
” Quarter less — five! “
Now to her berth, the ship draws nigh:
We shorten sail, — she feels the tide, —
“Stand clear the cable” is the cry, —
The anchor’s gone; we safely ride.
The watch is set, and through the night
We hear the seamen with delight
Proclaim, — ” All’s well! “
(Charles Dibdin)
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