226 



FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 



of the fog they ran only a short distance, and having made the buoy on the 

 Inner Faun, came to anchor, where, shortly after, we saw them. The fact 

 that the forefoot and after part of the keel of the vessel was ground off into 

 the wood ends, and six or seven bilge planks were cut through, or nearly 

 through, causing a leak of 2,500 strokes an hour, tells how narrow an escape 

 from death those had who remained on board. 



Such are some, though by no means all, of the adventures through which 

 Capt. Murphy has passed ; and the fact that he still lives to brave the per- 

 ils of the deep, and is as vigorous, "hale and hearty as any on 'em," might 

 be cited as proof that 



'' There's a sweet little cherub sits up aloft 

 To watch over the life of poor Jack." 



THE OPEN SEA. 



BY C. W. J. 



Far out at sea. 



Where tossing billows mock the sky 

 And shrill winds whistle free 



And fleecy clouds go hurrying by. 

 What care we for the land 



Except to keep it far away? 

 For here no rocks or whelming sand 



Along our free course lay. 



Along the land lie shoals, 

 Treacherous bar and cruel reef. 



Where the curling breaker rolls 

 With mournful moan of woe and grief. 



On the land is guile 



Fraud and treachery, vile and base, 

 Where the coward lurks with stealthy wile 



And smooth, deceitful face. 



Here is no deceit 1 



The Storm King warns ere he makes attack ; 

 Swift heralds, with white hurrying feet, 



Tell the approach of the tempest black. 

 Man struggles 'gainst wind and wave 



In an honest fight that is fair and free, 

 And God alone can save. 



Hurrah for the open sea I 



I 



