The sea is all unknown and dark to me,
Great blackness rests on rock and tree and field,
The sky above I only know to be,—
Both far and near, with heavy cloud for shield,
My heaven is vanquished by this dreary night,
And all along the coast and on the land,
This wretched time has spread its fearful blight,
That we should be o'erpowered on every hand,
Did not some kindly gleam in pity come;—
Perhaps some blazing lamp upon the coast,
To tell the mariner of nearing home
When with the ocean's direful fury toss'd:
Thy face all want supplies by night and day,
In sunshine sweet,—in storm hope's tender ray.