For ships that ne'er again shall glide
By town and lea on favoring tide,—
Strong ships that struggled till the gales
Of winter hid their shrouds and sails
In ocean drear.
Soft sailing spirits, how they glide
Forth on life's fitful sea untried
To breast the waves and bear the shocks
Beyond the guarded light-house rocks,
To strive and struggle many a year;