Classic Poem

I know the ships that pass by day:
I guess their business, grave or gay,
And spy their flags, and learn their names,
And whence they come and where they go —
But in the night I only know
Some little starry flames.

And yet I think these jewelled lights
Have meanings full as noonday sights:
For every emerald signs to me
That ship and souls are harbour near,
And every ruby rich and clear
Proclaims them bound for sea.

And all the yellow diamonds set
On mast and deck and hull in jet
Have meanings real as day can show:
They tell of care, of watchful eyes,
Of labour, slumber, hopes, and sighs —
Of human joy and woe.

O ships that come and go by night,
God's blessing be on every light!