Part 1 — A FISHERMAN'S SONG.
Reading edition
BY ALFRED H. MILES.
Hurrah! the craft is dashing Athwart the briny sea; Hurrah! the wind is lashing The white sails merrily; The sun is shining overhead, The rough sea heaves below; We sail with every canvas spread, Yo ho! my lads, yo ho!
Simple is our vocation, We seek no hostile strife; But 'mid the storm's vexation We succour human life; O, simple are our pleasures, We crave no miser's hoard, But haul the great sea's treasures To spread a frugal board.
But if at usurpation We needs must strike a blow, Our hardy avocation Shall fit us for the foe; Then let the despot's strength compete Upon the open sea, And on the proudest of his fleet Our flag shall flutter free.