Sonnet: O God! have mercy in this dreadful hour

O God ! have mercy in this dreadful hour
On the poor mariner ! in comfort here
Safe shelter'd as I am, I almost fear
The blast that rages with resistless power.
What were it now to toss upon the waves.
The madden'd waves, and know no succor near,
The howling of the storm alone to hear,
And the wild sea that to the tempest raves ;
To gaze amid the horrors of the night.
And only see the billow's gleaming light;
Then in the dread of death to think of her
Who, as she listens sleepless to the gale,
Puts up a silent prayer and waxes pale ? —
O God ! have mercy on the mariner !