Proudly foats the ocean steamer,-- br Throngs aboard and on the pier; br With orders, oaths, and farewells mingled, br What a medley greats the ear! br Off are cast the slack'ning cables; br Eager bells their signals ring! br While there on shore a group is kneeling; br Looking upward, now they sing: br br O Thou who holdest, br In the hollow of thy hand, br All this vast ocean, br Unto this far off land; br Guard well, we pray thee, br When angry billows foam-- br Guard well our lov'd ones, br And safely bring them home. br br What a wondrous transformation! br What a magic change of scene! br The parted throngs transfix'd are gazing br 'Cross the gulf that grows between. br Heads are bared, and knees are bended; br Voices all are silent there, br Save but the throbbing of the engine, br And that solemn choral prayer: br br Rapidly the distance lenghens; br We have looked our last adieu,-- br For each familiar form and feature br Now is fading from our view. br Glimpses yet of 'kerchiefs waving; br Watching still our friends remain; br And, waft by fresh'ning seaward breezes, br Faintly, sweetly comes the strain.