Blair Collection > Selections from the Gaelic bards

1G MODERN GAELIC BARDS.
Never once hasty while watching the canvas.
Which swift winds unfurl.
When he hears the shaggy ridge of the waters'
Roaring whirl,
He '11 smartly keep her narrow head
Against the swirl.
He '11 guide her so that she rocks or reels not
In her tack ;
Ruling sail and sheet with eye that windward
Glances back ;
He must not lose one finger's fore-joint
Of the right course,
In spite of all the tumbling surges,
And their force.
He '11 beat so boldly, when there 's need,
In the wind's eye ;
He'll make each oaken plank and fastening-
Creak and cry.
He must not blanch or get confused
With doubts and fears —
Not should the sea's grey-headed swell
Rise round his ears.
This stalwart seaman every terror
Must withstand ;
Nor stir, nor move, but keep his place
With helm in hand ;
And, watching the old hoary ocean,
Stern though it be.
Must loosen or draw in the sheet,
As need he '11 sec,
And make her battle, run, or beat,
With full-sail'd glee.
Thus he '11 keep her stiff and stubborn,
On top of the wild wave —
Straight and sure into her harbour,
Let storms howl and rave.