HOLD ON!

ROSE HENNIKER HEATON.

Hold on, O sailor, to the broken mast,
Hold fast!
Grip tight, though both your hands grow numb and cold
Still hold!
Though blinded by the spray—your strength nigh gone,
Hold on!
For lo! no farther than yon floating buoy
I hear the bosun's cheery—
Ship ahoy!

Hold on, O thou by earthly care distressed
And sorely pressed,
Torn though thou art by fear and deadly sin
Without—within!
Tossed by the seething waves of grief and doubt
Within, without!
Hold! For above the roar, your ears that fill,
I hear the voice of Truth,—
Love's Peace, be still!