"Be of Good Cheer!"

Come, stand upon the deck, and fish for men !
Let down and haul, it is Saint Andrew's Day ;
Take we the allotted side, and watch for prey !
We toil all night for nought ! — we cast again :
They who are fain a multitude to hold,
Break their smooth gear, and not a fish enfold !
The meek and patient catch not : tell me then
What is our vision ? — what the crafty toil
Whereby to win the draught and share the spoil ?
It was on such a day — the where and when —
Empty the basket — desolate and bare
The ship of Galilee — yet, faithful there,
The brethren watch'd the deep with patient ken —
Simon and Andrew sate, and calm on board
Mended their nets — and waited for the Lord !