Chapter V The Boatmen of the Downs
There’s fury in the tempest,
And there’s madness in the waves;
The lightning snake coils round the foam,
The headlong thunder raves;
Yet a boat is on the waters,
Filled with Britain’s daring sons,
Who pull like lions out to sea,
And count the minute guns.
’Tis Mercy calls them to the work—
A ship is in distress!
Away they speed with timely help
That many a heart shall bless:
And braver deeds than ever turned
The fate of kings and crowns
Are done for England’s glory,
By her Boatmen of the Downs.
We thank the friend who gives us aid
Upon the quiet land;
We love him for his kindly word,
And prize his helping hand;
But louder praise shall dwell around
The gallant ones who go,
In face of death, to seek and save
The stranger or the foe.
A boat is on the waters—
When the very sea-birds hide:
’Tis noble blood must fill the pulse
That’s calm in such a tide!
And England, rich in records
Of her princes, kings, and crowns,
May tell still prouder stories
Of her Boatmen of the Downs.
ELIZA COOK.