FISHERMEN'S MF.MOKIM. \\o i.-rrono BOOK. 139 



THE FISHER'S WIDOW. 



BT GEORGE II. PROCTER. 



Fair was that morning In winter, 

 When he kissed her good-by. Fair was the 



breeze 



Which filled the Bails of his schooner, 

 As gayly she sped out of the harbor for Georges. 

 Fondly she gazed after him, 

 Watching the white foam which feathered the 



track 

 Of the "Margery" her name, and that of 



the trim 



Little craft be commanded. 



Her prayers followed him, 

 And each night as her head pressed the pillow, 

 Her Qod was entreated to care for all 

 On the watery depths ; then one 

 Earnest pica for Roger, whose heart was 



hers, 

 Would fall sweetly asleep, with 



Dreams full of bright pictures and fancies. 



Three weeks passed away, 

 Bringing around the time for his return; 

 How anxious now the hours ! For those com 



ing in 

 From the treacherous Banks, brought fearful 



tidings 



Of a sudden gale I Terrible the tales 

 Of drifting vessels, of collisions and founder- 



ings, 

 Of hair-breadth escapes, broken spars, 



And parted cables. 



One after another, the fleet slowly rounded the 

 Point, 



For the wind had spent luelf, and was gentle 

 now; 



But nearly all had torn sails, damaged span or 

 hulls. 



As their names were repeated, many a heavy 

 heart 



In Gloucester town grew light ; wives and chil- 

 dren 



Were happy as they greeted husbands and 



fathers 

 Whom they feared would nevermore return. 



"Where's the 'Margery'? Have you seen 



her? 

 Tell me true! Have you not spoken the 



1 Margery,' 



Or seen her since the gale?" 

 These were the queries which the young wife 



made. 



One skipper said, " The Margery ' 

 Lay right 'longslde his vessel the Union,' 

 Two days afore the blow, and had shifted 



berth* 

 Early in the mornin* in hopes to finish their 



catch, 

 Then homeward go." Another said, '' that a 



vessel, 

 Which he took to be her, had started for home 



