On the Launching of the Aldeburgh Life-Boat, August 18th, 1891
WHAT is more precious than a human life, But what more frail ? What stronger in its might.
Or lovelier in its strength, than the fair sight Of noble man contending with the strife Of some more powerful foe ? Such is our love: That Strength and Beauty mingle in our flight Across Ideal's dim-trod fields of light, Moving yet upward to the Great Above.
Fashioned for this our Life-ship spreads her wing To speed to helpless man that's stricken down By Nature's greater force in fiercest frown.
Sublime self-sacrifice doth ever bring To Hero-Mariners the name of King, And rank that shines above a golden crown ! T. WILSON PARET, M.A., CANTAB.
ALDEBUBGH, August 20,1891.