There was joy for me in the nightly watch, on the burning tropic seas,
To mark the waves, like living fires, leap up to the freshning breeze.
Right merrily, right merrily, our gallant ship went free,
Until we neared the rocky shoals, within the western sea.
Yet, still none thought of danger near, till in the silent night,
The helmsman gave the dreadful word of “breakers to the right!”
The moment that his voice was heard, was felt the awful shock,
The ship sprang forward, with a bound, and struck upon a rock.
“All hands aloft,” our captain cried—in terror and dismay,
They threw the cargo overboard, and cut the masts away,