FOR THE FISHERMAN'S CHILD

Furl your sail, my little boatie;
    Here 's the haven, still and deep,
Where the dreaming tides, in-streaming,
         Up the channel creep.
See, the sunset breeze is dying;
Hark, the plover, landward flying,
Softly down the twilight crying;
    Come to anchor, little boatie,
        In the port of Sleep.

Far away, my little boatie,
    Roaring waves are white with foam;
Ships are striving, onward driving,
        Day and night they roam.
Father 's at the deep-sea trawling,
In the darkness, rowing, hauling,
While the hungry winds are calling,--
    God protect him, little boatie,
        Bring him safely home!

Not for you, my little boatie,
    Is the wide and weary sea;
You 're too slender, and too tender,
        You must rest with me.
All day long you have been straying
Up and down the shore and playing;
Come to port, make no delaying!
    Day is over, little boatie,
        Night falls suddenly.

Furl your sail, my little boatie;
    Fold your wings, my tired dove.
Dews are sprinkling, stars are twinkling
        Drowsily above.
Cease from sailing, cease from rowing;
Rock upon the dream-tide, knowing
Safely o'er your rest are glowing,
    All the night, my little boatie,
        Harbour-lights of love.