"THE LAUNCH OF THE 'JOHN PATCHETT'"

Through the grey mist of dawn all curling around,
The ponderous notes of the shipyard resound;
By fires at which builders are plying their toil,
Loud voices are clashing, and increase the turmoil.

Hark the dock shore is struck and the blue lights appear,
Morning is breaking, the daylight is near,
Ere the gloom that o'er hangs the dark water has fled,
Men with sinewy arms and by friendliness led,

Hand o'er hand they silently climb her tall side,
To help this good ship to the deep rolling tide
Of her future they speak as they move to and fro
Yes they ponder her future, though little they know.

Now she moves, cheer me hearties, she's launched on the tide,
See the waters caress her and rush to her side,
Hurrah and hurrah, the 'John Patchett' is free,
She has found her new home on the dark rolling sea.

Padre