TtrE day is spent ; the ied sun sinks Beneath the Western wave; The light bark gaily holds her course With her crew so stout and brave.

A few short hours, and all is changed; For loudly howls the Wast, And o'er the tumult of flie waves The pall of night is cast.

A rock-bound coast is on the lee; And, see! the warning light— The beacon-star of mariners— Gleams through the darkening night.

A sudden crash—the mast is gone— And with it goes all hope ; No longer can the fated crew With the surging waters cope.

Now they commit their souls to God As men about to die; For vain seems all the help of man In this extremity.

But on the shore, betwixt the gusts, Is heard the signal-gun: From every cot seafaring men Down to the water run.

" Launch, launch the Life-boat quick, my lads!" "Sow who will go?" they cry; And fifty voices loud upraised Make answer, " 11" -" And I " Despite the waves' tempestuous rush, Despite their threatening roar, See! twenty hardy fishermen Bend stoutly to the oar.

Thrice are they baffled—thrice retain— And thrice the strife renew; Whilst every looker-on doth pray, " God speed that gallant crew !" At last they near the fated bark— Hurrah! they've reached her side, And life and hope to those they bring Who but for them had died.

One short half hour, and all are saved: The elements still war; But where has been a gallant ship, There floats a broken spar.

TSo wild hurraTas accompany The deeds those men do dare; No beat of drum, no martial strain, No spirit-stirring air.

But in the cold and darksome night, They combat with the blast, And gain, by dint of hardihood, The victory at last.

Then let us pay the honour due To such devoted strife, Where gallant men so nobly risk For fellow-men theix life.

G. M. R. WARD.

NOTICE.—The next number of tLe "Life-boat Journal" -will be published on b,e 1st Feb. 1R73..