Classic Poem

Eight bells! Eight bells! their clear tone tells
—The midnight hour is here,
And as they cease, these words of peace
—Fall gently on my ear:
——“All's well! All's well!”

Fond thoughts fly far, where loved ones are,
—Though distant, ever near,
From those dear homes the echo comes,
—Our longing hearts to cheer:
——“All's well! All's well!”

Swift through the deep our course we keep,
—To shores unseen we steer,
No thought of ill our souls shall chill,
—Nor wind nor wave we fear:
——“All's well! All's well!”

Thus o'er life's sea our voyage may be
—A pathway lone and drear,
Through tempest loud and sorrow's cloud,
—Faith still shall whisper near:
——“All's well! All's well!”

And when for me, earth, sky, and sea
—Shall fade and disappear,
May this sweet note still downward float,
—From some undying sphere:
——“All's well! All's well!”