THE SEA-BOY. 149
Unquestioning, save by a silent prayer, That the tear, wrung so bitterly, might work The sea-boy's good, and wash away all trace Of disobedience. Now, the same big tear Hung like a pearl upon him, as he climbed And grappled to the mast. I watched his toil, With strange forebodings, till he seemed a speck Upon the ebon bosom of the cloud. And I remembered that he once had said, " I fear I shall not see my home again : " And sad the memory of those mournful words Dwelt with me, as he passed above my sight Into thick darkness.
The wild blast swept on, The strong ship tossed.
Shuddering, I heard a plunge, A heavy plunge a gurgling 'mid the wave. I shouted to the crew. In vain ! In vain ! The ship held on her way. And never more Shall that poor delicate sea-boy raise his head To do the bidding of those roughened men, Whose home is on the sea. And never more May his fond mother strain him to her breast, Weeping that hardship thus should bronze the brow To her so beautiful nor the kind sire Make glad, by his forgiveness, the rash youth Who wandered from his home, to throw the wealth Of his warm feelings on the faithless sea.
�� �
