Never forsake the ship!

The keel drives on through the heavy sea,

Like a plough–share cleaving the furrowed lea,

Tossing aloft bright wreaths of spray—

Feathery buds of the ocean's May;

Coronals white as the stainless snow,

Shine in the wake of the vessel's prow:

Oh! never were blossoms so pure and fair

As the vapoury jewels glistening there.

Never desert the ship!

The land lies yonder through cloud and foam—

Ever steer on for our distant home:

Though the tightened cordage snap in twain,

And the creaking timbers shiver and strain;

Though the sluggish sails may droop and fall,

Like the heavy folds of a funeral pall—

The breeze will awaken, the wind uprise,

And the brave barque speed under sunny skies.

Never forsake the ship!

Hope may wither and courage fail,

If faith sustains us no need to quail;

Oh, blinded vision—oh, darkened sight,

Pierce through the gloom of the shrouding night:

Though the longed–for haven be hid from view,

Believe that a home awaiteth you:

Mariners! pause not to idly deplore

The rugged path to that promised shore.

Never give up the ship!

By the sunken rocks and the shelving strand

Guide her still on with a firm brave hand,

Steering away for the chainless sea,

Her sails all set and her flag flung free—

So let us wrestle for freedom or life

Where the hurricane wages a generous strife,

No hidden reef, like a treacherous foe,

Lying in ambush to strike a blow.

Never desert the ship!

Even though perils be brooding near,

Turn not aside with the recreant's fear;

No one can tell when the heavens may lower,

And the fierce storm burst in its terrible power,

And the lash of the sea, like a slave–driver's whip,

Fall with its wrath on the beautiful ship.—

Set her to rights, men, and keep her afloat,

Nor slink in your dread to the life–saving boat.

Never forsake the ship!

The mast may be shattered, the white sails be rent,

And the tapering spars, like a reed, may be bent…