Classic Poem

The tempest rages wild and high,
The waves lift up their voice and cry
Fierce answers to the angry sky, —
Miserere Domine .

Through the black night and driving rain
A ship is struggling, all in vain,
To live upon the stormy main; —
Miserere Domine .

The thunders roar, the lightnings glare,
Vain is it now to strive or dare;
A cry goes up of great despair, —
Miserere Domine .

The stormy voices of the main,
The moaning winds and pelting rain
Beat on the nursery window-pane: —
Miserere Domine .

Warm curtained was the little bed,
Soft pillowed was the little head;
" The storm will wake the child, " they said: —
Miserere Domine .

Cowering among his pillows white
He prays, his blue eyes dim with fright,
" Father, save those at sea to-night! " —
Miserere Domine .

The morning shone all clear and gay
On a ship at anchor in the bay,
And on a little child at play, —
Gloria tibi Domine .