Unknown by Professor Walter

’Tis done — the crew is saved — e’en at the hour

When hope seemed lost, & frail life’s human powers;

Heaven has come; oh let this wretched bear,

For hope is oft-times night when man would much despair

The boat has reached the light house, where the the voice

Of kindred bids the drooping heart rejoice;

The fire is blazing on the genial hearth,

The welcome kettle sings its song of mirth,

And the poor shivering souls escape the main,

Warm their half frozen limbs to life again;

Lo! the last sufferer’s saved! a grateful bride

Whom love had summoned to her husband’s side,

And who for him had left her happy home,

Chilled by the dripping brine, in Grace’s arm

She leans and, oh! how tender & how warm

The pressure of that hand, that soothing arm,

And cheering word that points the easy chair,

Which stands with many a comfort furnished warm,

Prompt to receive the sufferer’s sinking form—

And see the soothing beverage is prepared,

By the good dame, among the sufferers shared;

While many a grateful word is heard to part

Forth from the full & overburthened heart.