The Little Sailor Boy

The sea was calm the sky serene, And gently blew the eastern gale, When Anna seated on a rock, Watch'd the Livona's less'ning sail; To heaven she thus her pray'r address'd, Thou who canst save, or canst destroy, From each surrounding danger guard, My much lov'd little sailor boy.

When tempests o'er the ocean howl, And even sailors shrink with dread, Be some protecting angel near To hover round my William's head: He was belov'd by all the plain, His father's pride, his mother's joy. Then safely to their arms restore Their much lov'd little sailor boy.

May no rude foe his course impede. Conduct him safely o'er the waves; O may he never be compell'd To fight for pow'r or mix with slaves: May smiling peace his steps attend, Each rising hour be crown'd with joy, As blest as that when I again Shall meet my much lov'd sailor boy.