WHAT THE SHIP BROUGHT.
Oh, a happy new year to you all,
Good children, a happy new year!
To your fathers and mothers,
Your sisters and brothers,
To your grandpas and grandmas so dear.
It's a long way good wishes to send,—
Three thousand miles over the sea;
When the wild winds are roaring,
The rainstorms are pouring,
And the waves are like mountains to see.
May the good ship speed safe on its way,
Though the moon and the stars be unseen!
May the compass be steady,
The helmsman be ready,
And the captain all watchful and keen!
Oh, it's pleasant, dear children, the sea,
When the sky is all fair and serene,
With the breeze blowing lightly,
The sun shining brightly,
Or at night, when the clear moon is seen.
But now, at this "happy new year,"
In your homes and your nurseries bright,
Pray think how the vessel
With wild waves must wrestle,
Through the cold winter day and black night.
When you read the good wishes I send
Three thousand miles over the sea,
I would have you remember
'Twas in dreary December
The ship brought this greeting from me.
Leeds, Eng., December, 1872. Geo. Bennett.
