The Bell

I love thy music, mellow bell,

I love thine iron chime,

To life or death, to heaven or hell,

Which calls the Sons of Time.

Thy voice upon the deep

The homebound sea-boy hails,

It charms his cares to sleep,

It cheers him as he sails.

To house of God and heavenly joys

Thy summons called our sires,

And good men thought thy sacred voice

Disarmed the thunder's fires.

And soon thy music, sad death-bell!

Shall lift its notes once more,

And mix my requiem with the wind

That sweeps my native shore.