Classic Poem

It lifts the heart to see the ships
Back safely from the deep sea main;
To see the slender mizzen tips,
And all the ropes that stood the strain;

To hear the old men shout " Ahoy, "
Glad-hearted at the journey's end,
And fix the favourite to the buoy,
Who had the wind and sea to friend;

To meet, when sails are lashed to spars,
The men for whom Earth's free from care,
And Heaven a clock with certain stars,
And Hell a word with which to swear.