Classic Poem

IN THE ODDITIES .

Resplendent gleam'd the ample moon,
Reflected on the glitt'ring lee,
The bell proclaim'd night's awful noon,
And scarce a ripple shook the sea,
When thus, for sailors, nature's care,
What education has denied,
Are of strong sense, a bounteous share,
By observation well supplied:

While thus, in bold and honest guise,
For wisdom mov'd his tongue,
Drawing from reason comfort's drop,
In truth and fair reflection wise,
Right cheerfully sung
Little Ben that kept his watch on the main top.

II.

Why should the hardy tar complain?
'Tis certain true he weathers more
From dangers on the roaring main
Than lazy lubbers do ashore.
Ne'er let the noble mind despair,
Though roaring seas run mountains high,
All things are built with equal care,
First rate or wherry, man or fly:

If there's a power that never errs,
And certainly 'tis so —
For honest hearts what comfort's drop —
As well as kings and emperors,
Why not take in tow
Little Ben that keeps his watch in the main top?

III.

What though to distant climes I roam,
Far from my darling Nancy's charms,
The sweeter is my welcome home,
To blissful moorings in her arms.
Perhaps she on that sober moon
A lover's observation takes,
And longs that little Ben may soon
Relieve that heart which sorely achs.

Ne'er fear, that power that never errs,
That guards all things below —
For honest hearts what comfort's drop —
As well as kings and emperors,
Will surely take in tow
Little Ben, that keeps his watch in the main top.