Page:Pleasant Memories.pdf/365
I said, that through the centre of this host
'T was ours to pass.
Who led us on our way?
Who through that path of horror was our guide?
Sparing us words to tell our friends at home
A tale of those destroyers, who so oft
With one strong buffet of their icy hands
Have plunged the mightiest ship beneath the deep,
Nor left a lip to syllable her fate.
Oh thou! who spread us not on ocean's floor
A sleeping-place unconsecrate with prayer,
But brought us to our blessed homes again,
And to the burial-places of our sires,
Praise to thy holy name!
Monday, April 19, 1841.
The morning of Sunday, April 18th, was serene but cold. Walking on the deck before breakfast, I could not but imagine that I detected the latent chill of ice in the atmosphere; but the apprehension was not admitted by those who had more knowledge of those watery regions than myself. Our noble ship, the Great Western, vigorously pursued her way, and the deep, slightly agitated and strongly colored, was exceedingly beautiful.
We had divine worship in the saloon, and the dead-lights, which had been in for nearly a week, were removed. The service was read by Captain Hoskins,