And fiercest in the night.
The strong clouds set themselves like ice,
Without a star to melt,
The blackness of the darkness
Was darkness to be felt.

The storm like an assassin
Went on its wicked way,
And struck a hundred boats adrift,
To reel about the bay.
They meet, they crash--God keep the men!
God give a moment's light!
There is nothing but the tumult,
And the tempest and the night.

The men on shore were anxious,
They dreaded what they knew;
What do you think the women did?
Love taught them what to do!
Out spake a wife, "We've beds at home,
We'll burn them for a light:
Give us the men and the bare ground!
We want no more to-night."

[Illustration]

They took the grandame's blanket,
Who shivered and bade them go;
They took the baby's pillow,
Who could not say them no;