Once on a time the sea was fraught with fear For whoso sailed thereon. The shadow of death Hung over all, and, as old story saith, He did his work best who the best could steer 'Twixt hidden reef and hovering privateer. But now 'tis Apathy, Folly, Slander's breath— 'Tis not the half-tamed sea which sundereth Her children from the safety that's so dear. Wherefore the time has come for lads at sea To join strong hands together, till at length Before their brotherhood the phantoms flee, Named Brute Oppression, Ignorance, Lust, and Hate, And the strong learn that Love alone is just, And the weak learn that Union is their strength. |