See! the boat is dashing onward,
Through the trackless ocean, bold,
While the merry chit-chat gaily
Echoes through her splendid hold.

But, amidst the busy concourse,
Hark! there is a sudden cry,—
'Fire! fire! fire!—the boat's on fire!
Oh, have mercy! must we die?'

'Where's my treasure? must I lose it?
Where's my husband, brother, friend?
Some are burning! some are drowning!
Ah! woe's me, is this their end?'

Some on bales of cotton venture—
Others, desperate, try to leap;
Some attempt the boats to enter,
But are plunged into the deep.

Still the boat is fiercely burning,
Hopes of life for ever fled!
One last look, and then, for ever,
All are numbered with the dead!