POETRY.
BREAKERS AHEAD!
SHE was the noblest Ship that sailed The restless waters of the world, Carved from the oak that never failed When breaking billows foamed and curled, But grew more seasoned and secure When called to battle and endure.
Upon her towering bridge above, Through storm and peril and delay, Her Captains for their charge's love Had steered her long-endangered way, Led through the darkest hours of night By distant beacons of the Right.
And for the guidance of the years When other hands should take control, Dim eyes or inattentive ears, The dull and apprehensive soul, Men wrote their Captains' dauntless tale That their successors should not fail ; But learn from that inspiring log New skill and courage to endure, In stormy noon or midnight fog To hold their precious charge secure, Braced in the Tempest's roar and rage By memories of their Heritage.
And so the crew that drew the rope Obedient to the loud command, Encountered, for the morning hope Of haven and the promised laud, Labour and cold and hours of pain • And bitter winds and lashing rein.
But at the last a Captain stood, Undaunted as his fearless kin, As careful for his vessel's good To bring the costly cargo in, But scornful of the buoy and bell And all the hidden things they tell.
The faithful charts his fathers codaa.
Lay unregarded and unlearned, Out on the Ocean ways beyond The guiding lights no longer burned, And for the safety of his ship He pledged the promise of his lip.
And I who followed while we sped By rocky coasts in Wintry Seas Until the fathoming plummet-lead Brought home the golden argosies, What shall I answer when I hear The roar of billows in my ear P Another Captain at the helm ! Another watchman at the prow ! The waters surge to overwhelm, The rocks are looming on the bow. But one alternative for me,
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