Classic Poem

1. Being homeward bound on the mighty deep, Lying
in my hammock, I fell asleep. I dreamed a dream that I
thought was true, Concerning Franklin and his bold crew.

2 As we were nearing old England's shore,
I saw a lady who did deplore.
She wrung her hands and thus did say:
" I have lost my Franklin, he's far away!

3 " Those sad forebodings give me pain
Since my dear Franklin has crossed the main,
With one hundred seamen both brave and stout,
For to find a Nor'western Passage out,

4 " For to find a passage round the North Pole,
When the lightnings flash and the thunders roll.
Alas, 'tis more than man can do,
With hearts undaunted and courage too!

5 " They sailed east and they sailed west
On Greenland's coast, which they knew best.
Through hardships and dangers they vainly strove
Till their ship on mountains of ice were drove.

6 " God bless the widows that sure do weep
For the loss of their husbands that's sank in the deep.
They've left their homes like many more,
They've left their homes to return no more.

7 " In Baffin's Bay, where the cold wind blows,
The fate of Franklin nobody knows.
He's left his home like many more,
He's left his home to return no more. "