Page:Todlen hame.pdf/8



Or sailing on the midnight deep,

While weary messmates soundly sleep,

The careful watch patroles the deck,

To guard the ship from foes or wreck;

And while his thoughts oft homewards bound

Some friendly voice salutes his ear,

What cheer?—Brother—quickly tell?—

Above—below?—good night—all's well.

Deserted by the waning moon,

When skies proclaim night's cheerless doom

On tower, fort, or tented ground,

The sentry walks his lonely round;

And should a footstep haply stray,

Where caution marks the guarded way,

Who goes there?—stranger—quickly tell?—

A Friend—the word?-goodnight—all's well