The monarch in his sight had stood, Superb, in glittering vest; The savage, too, that roams the wood, In skins and feathers dressed. The tribes of many an isle he knew; And beasts, and birds, and flowers, And fruits, of many a shape and hue, In lands remote from ours. He 'd seen the wide-winged albatross Her breast in ocean lave; And bold sea-lions, playing, toss Their heads above the wave. He 'd seen the dolphin, while his back Went flashing to the sun, A swarm of flying fish attack, And swallow every one! The porpoise and the spouting whale Had sported in his view; And hungry sharks pursued his sail, As if they 'd eat the crew. And ever, when Tom Tar got home, The children, at their play, Were glad to have the sailor come, And greet them by the way. Then, oft, some curious stone, or shell, The laughing girls and boys Would find, that on their aprons fell, To put among their toys. "These pearly shells," said he, "I found Where gloomy waters roar: These polished stones, so smooth and round, Rough surges washed ashore. "Though small to us a pebble seems, 'T is made and marked by One, Who gave the warmth, and lit the beams Of yon great shining sun. "And when these pretty shells I find, Along the ocean strand, Their beauteous finish brings to mind Their Maker's perfect hand. "When on the wildest shore I'm thrown, And far from human eye, I think of him who made the stone, And shell, and sea, and sky. "For he 's my friend, and I am his, Though cold and rough the blast: My safest guide I know he is, Where'er my lot is cast." When Tom passed on, the children said, "These treasures from afar He brought us! Blessings on his head! For he 's a good Tom Tar!" THE SEAMAN'S HYMN. Landmen, on your downy pillows, While your eyes are sealed in sleep, Seamen, tossed 'mid foam and billows, Roam, for you, a boisterous deep. When the glorious light of day Is on your homes so peaceful dawning, Along our pathless, troubled way The surge swells high, the flood is yawning. When earth's flowers to you are blooming, Or your hearths are bright and warm; We behold the wild waves booming, Mount the shrouds, and brave the storm. Singing birds your hearing greet-- Your hearts the kindred tone rejoices; While winds, that on our canvass beat, And roaring ocean join their voices.