The Bell at Sea

When the tide’s billowy swell
Had reach’d its height,
Then toll’d the rock’s lone bell
Sternly by night.

Far over cliff and surge
Swept the deep sound,
Making each wild wind’s dirge
Still more profound.

Yet that funereal tone
The sailor bless’d,
Steering through darkness on
With fearless breast.

E’en so may we, that float
On life’s wide sea,
Welcome each warning note,
Stern though it be!