THE BUILDING OF THE SHIP UILD me straight, O worthy Master! "BU Stanch and strong, a goodly vessel, That shall laugh at all disaster, And with wave and whirlwind wrestle!" The merchant's word Delighted the Master heard; For his heart was in his work, and the heart Giveth grace unto every Art. A quiet smile played round his lips, That steadily at anchor ride. And with a voice that was full of glee, And first with nicest skill and art, That with a hand more swift and sure And eight round towers, like those that frown Upon the drawbridge and the moat. And he said with a smile, "Our ship, I wis, Shall be of another form than this!". It was of another form, indeed; Built for freight, and yet for speed, A beautiful and gallant craft; Broad in the beam, that the stress of the blast, Pressing down upon sail and mast, Might not the sharp bows overwhelm ; |