Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HEAVING OF THE LEAD, by CHARLES DIBDIN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HEAVING OF THE LEAD, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: For england when with favoring gale
Last Line: "proclaim, -- ""all's well!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Dibdin, Charles Isaac Mungo; Dibdin, Charles, Jr.
Subject(s): Sea; Ocean


FOR England when with favoring gale
Our gallant ship up channel steered,
And, scudding under easy sail,
The high blue western land appeared;
To heave the lead the seaman sprung,
And to the pilot cheerly sung,
"By the deep -- nine!"
And bearing up to gain the port,
Some well-known object kept in view, --
An abbey-tower, a harbor-fort,
Or beacon to the vessel true;
While oft the lead the seaman flung,
And to the pilot cheerly sung.
"By the mark -- seven!"
And as the much-loved shore we near,
With transport we behold the roof
Where dwelt a friend or partner dear,
Of faith and love a matchless proof.
The lead once more the seaman flung,
And to the watchful pilot sung,
"Quarter less -- five!"
Now to her berth the ship draws nigh:
We shorten sail, -- she feels the tide, --
"Stand clear the cable" is the cry, --
The anchor's gone; we safely ride.
The watch is set, and through the night
We hear the seamen with delight
Proclaim, -- "All's well!"




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