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AN OLD SONG RE-SUNG, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: I saw three ships a-sailing
Last Line: When wilt thou come for me?
Alternate Author Name(s): Hinkson, Katharine Tynan
Subject(s): Religion; Theology


I saw three ships a-sailing,

A-sailing on the sea,

The first her masts were silver,

Her hull was ivory.

The snows came drifting softly,

And lined her white as wool;

Oh, Jesus, Son of Mary,

Thy Cradle beautiful!

I saw three ships a-sailing,

The next was red as blood,

Her decks shone like a ruby,

Encrimsoned all her wood.

Her main-mast stood up lonely,

A lonely Cross and stark.

Oh, Jesus, Son of Mary,

Bring all men to that ark!

I saw three ships a-sailing.

The third for cargo bore

The souls of men redeemed,

That shall be slaves no more.

The lost beloved faces,

I saw them glad and free.

Oh, Jesus, Son of Mary,

When wilt thou come for me?







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