With threat'uing frown the sun sinks down, And leaves a lurid sky; The cloudy rack drives swift and black, The winds rise loud and high.

The mother hears the rising storm—• Her heart is sick and sad; Her thoughts go out upon the sea To her dear sailor-lad.

The wife looks out into the night, And closer hugs her child, Whose father's ship perchance is tossed By winds and waters wild.

The night wears wearily away, Yet loud the tempest raves.

Hark! through the gloom a cannon's boom Is swept across the waves !- Again! again ! that note of dread Is heard above the roar.

See ! light on light is flashing bright Along the surf-beat shore.

Hurrah! she's launched! with many a cheer The life-boat sweeps away, Breasting the mighty swell that rolls, And thunders up the bay.

The first red ray of dawning day Is gleaming o'er the sea, A noble vessel shoreward drives, The black cliffs on her lea.

Xow do your best, ye gallant men! Bend bravely to the oar, Ye yet shall bring that vessel's crew In safety to the shore.

"f is done! the life-boat's bows are turned; Swiftly it nears the land.

Ho ! every man upon the beach, Be sharp and lend a hand! The well-flung rope uncoils, and falls Upon the sandy beach, And quickly is the life-boat run Beyond the surges' reach.

And cottage fires blaze high and bright, And cottage cheer is free, To all the life-boat's gallant crew Saved from the stormy sea.

All honour to our life-boat crews, And proudly may we boast The deeds of daring they have done Along our rocky coast.

. P. S,.