LIFEBOAT MAGAZINE ARCHIVE

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The Life-Boat

oar'd the rolling billows, Surging waves rose high o'erhead ; Helpless in that hour of danger, On the gallant vessel sped.

Sails were riven,—masts were broken By the tempest's fearful power; Fruitless seemed all human efforts, 'Mid the terrors of that hour.

Rocks before them, breakers, sparkling In the lightning's lurid glare; While the heavy peals of thunder Seem'd to rend the very air.

What can save the fated seamen ? Hark! that crash;—upon the rock Strikes the ship, she fills with water, Can she stand another shock ? God have mercy on those sailors, Pale and speechless with dismay: "While their sisters, wives, and children, Crowd the edges of the hay.

" Man the life-boat! fear no danger "Where the path of duty leads: British hearts are never wanting Courage for the noblest deeds.

" Let the waves dash still more wildly, We will save them if we can," Selfishness can find no lodging In a true-born Englishman.

Every heart, on cliff and headland, Joins in wishing them " God-speed," Heaven's best blessing rest upon them, Help them in their daring deed.

To and fro upon the waters, At the mercy of the gale; Often doth the task seem hopeless ; Still their efforts do not fail.

Now they near the sinking vessel, Now they seize upon a rope; And the poor desponding victims Seem to catch & ray of hope.

One by one, with tenderest caution, As a mother lifts her child, Pass they on the helpless women, Foremost,—through the breakers wild.

Ere they reach the shore, they take them: Men are joining hand to hand, Anxious,—lest the vessel founder Ere they get them safe to land.

Then the Captain, when he sees them Safe upon the sandy beach, Leaves the wreck, and quickly joins them Where the tempests cannot reach.

Down upon their knees they hasten; Heartfelt thanks for safety give: Slay such feelings still continue Long as they on earth shall live.

And. may all those who can, contribute To support the Life-boat plan.

Let us, each one, do our duty Help to save our fellow-man.

JOHN RYLEY ROBISSOX.

1TOTICE,—The next number of the " Life-boot Journal," containing the Annual Report, &c., will be published on the 1st of May, 1876..