The Sailor's Wedding

by Theodore Tilton

I.

O loitering ship! a sailor cried,
Now speed me home to wed my bride!
The ship, through flying spray,
Went bounding on her way.

II

O midnight bells! my watch is done;
O happy morrow! haste thy sun.
Then down he lay and slept,
And in his dream he wept,

III,

He dreamed that suddenly the waves
Stood fixed and green, like churchyard graves,
And then a mournful bell
Rang out a funeral knell.

IV.

Land ho! the deck-watch called, with cheers;
The sleeper wakened firom his tears.
O, day of joy! he said;
This night shall I be wed.

V.

With eager feet he leaped ashore,
And stood at Mary's cottage door:
The bride, in white all dressed,
Was in her grave at rest!