The Sailor's Evening Prayer Poem by Anonymous British

Long the sun hath gone to rest,
Dimm'd is now the deep'ning west;
And the sky hath lost the hue
That the rich clouds o'er it threw.
Lonely on the pale blue sky
Gleam faint streaks of crimson dye,
Gloriously the evening star
Looks upon us from afar;
Aid us, o'er the changeful deep,
God of power;
Bless the sailor's ocean sleep,
At midnight's hour.

On the stilly twilight air
We should breathe our solemn prayer,-
'Bless the dear ones of our home,
Guide us through the wild waves' foam,
To the light of those dear eyes,
Where our heart's best treasure lies;
To the love in one fond breast,
That unchanging home of rest!
Hear her, when at even-tide
She kneels to pray,
That God would bless, defend, and guide,
Those far away!'

Now the moon hath touch'd the sea,
And the waves, all tremblingly,
Throw towards heaven their silvery spray,
Happy in the gladd'ning ray:
Thus, Redeemer, let Thy love
Shine upon us from above;
Touch'd by Thee, our hearts will rise,
Grateful towards the glowing skies;
Guard us, shield us, mighty Lord,
Thou dost not sleep;
Still the tempest with Thy word,-
Rule the deep!