Safely in the vessel's cabin,
Housed in cosy stateroom there,
All were ready for the voyage,
And did look for cheerful fare.
Out upon the briny billows,
Just three days and nights, 'twas said,
When the night was dark and dreary,
Trueman rose from sleepless bed.
There was something weighed upon him,
Something whispered to beware;
He dressed and went upon the deck
To breathe the crisp sea air.
He paced and paced the vessel's deck
With long and manly stride;
He went from starboard o'er to port
And back to starboard side.
He'd been upon the deck some time,
And peered into the gloom
As if them something overawed
And threatened them with doom.