Classic Poem

'Twas on a longstone lighthouse there dwelt an English maid,
Pure as the air around her, of danger ne'er afraid.
One morning just at daybreak a storm-tossed wreck she spied:
Although to try seemed madness, "I'll save the crew!' she cried.

And she pulled away o'er the rolling seas
Over the waters wide
"Help, help' she could hear the cry of the shipwrecked crew.
But Grace had an English heart
The raging storm she braved
She pulled away mid the dashing spray
And the crew she saved.

They to the rocks were clinging, a crew of nine all told,
Between them and the lighthouse the seas like mountains rolled.
Said Grace, "Come help me, father,
We'll launch the boat,' said she.
" 'Tis madness,' said her father, "to face that raging sea.'

One murmured prayer, heaven guard us,
And then they were afloat,
Between them and destruction the planks of that frail boat.
Then said the maiden's father, "Turn back or doomed are we.'
Then up spoke brave Grace Darling,
"Alone I'll brave the sea.'

They rode the angry billows and reached the rock at length.
They saved the shipwrecked sailors,
In heaven alone their strength.
Go tell the wide world over what English pluck can do
And sing of brave Grace Darling, who nobly saved the crew.