I sat on a moss-covered rock, and gazed afar on the summer sea, Forgotten the world and its many cares, youth and hope came back to me.

When my heart was light and in happy mood I would ramble along the shore, And gaze on the vanishing sails of ships that perchance would return no more.

I saw in the distance the old lighthouse, whose beacon would nightly throw Its silvery gleam far over the wave, in that far off long ago ; When the salt sea wind through the sheeny mist, would cover me with the spray Of the surge, as it dashed in impulsive might on the shores of our little bay.

Again, in my ear, I heard the cry of the gulls as they circled round, And like music the song of the mariners came from the vessels homeward bound.

Once more I came forth iu the early morn to welcome the fishers home, As their little boats came dancing in, on the sparkling sunlit foam.

Still again, with a thrill of fear, I heard through the storm the hollow boom, That told of another devoted barque fast hurry- ing to its doom ; Then a ringing cheer, and the Life-boat's crew from the shore would quickly start, To the aid of souls who were facing death, perhaps with a trembling heart.

Yet no fear in the hearts of the men, who beneath the lightning's angry gleam, Returned with a rescued crew to shore — I awoke, 'twas but a dream ! A dream ! ah, yes ! but it gave me strength to plead in a noble cause, The cause of the Life-boats, and their crews, who in danger never pause, To measure the strength of the wintry gale in its havoc around our coast.

Then give to the cause with an open hand — in winter it's needed most.

J. H. HEENET..