Classic Poem

Across the bay the beacon shines
To boatmen three, and sheds its light
Along the waves in glimmering lines
To guide them through the night.

The great clouds darken, and the gale
Dashes the spray with deafening roar,
As each to each the boatmen hail
While toiling for the shore.

" The lighthouse lamp doth light for me
A royal journey home;
Only to me, the path I see
Gilding the crests of foam! "

" Nay, nay, " the second says, " you boast,
For straight from yonder headland bold,
Full on my boat, from off the coast,
Flashes the line of gold! "

" The bay is black, both left and right, "
Then laughs the last one of the three,
" But spirits bright have swept with light
The path that leads to me! "

Ah, silly seamen, who, each day,
Voyaging on the unknown sea,
Quarrel among yourselves and say,
" The path leads but to me. "

Could you change vessels, then for aye
Would vanish selfish creed and whim,
Seeing how Love lights each a way
To lead us home to Him!