Ho! breakers on the weather bow,
And hissing white the sea;
Go, loose the topsail, mariner,
And set the helm a-lee;
And set the helm a-lee, my boys,
And shift her while ye may;
Or not a living soul on board
Will view the light of day!
Aloft the seaman daringly
Shook out the rattling sail;
The danger fled--she leapt a-head
Like wild stag through the gale;
Like wild stag through the gale, my boys,
All panting as in fear,
And trembling as her spirit knew
Destruction in the rear!
Now slacken speed--take wary heed--
All hands haul home the sheet;
To Him who saves, amidst the waves,
Let each their prayer repeat;
Let each their prayer repeat, my boys,
For but a moment’s gain
Lay ’tween our breath and instant death,
Within that howling main.