Charles Dibdin

Heaving of the Lead

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 spring,
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! "