A Leap For Life

OLD Ironsides at anchor lay, In the harbor of Mahon; A dead calm rested on the bay -- The waves to sleep had gone; When little Jack, the captain's son, With gallant hardihood, Climbed shroud and spar -- and then upon The main-truck rose and stood! A shudder ran through every vein -- All eyes were turned on high! There stood the boy, with dizzy brain, Between the sea and sky! No hold had he above -- below, Alone he stood in air! At that far height none dared to go -- No aid could reach him there. We gazed -- but not a man could speak! -- With horror all aghast In groups, with pallid brow and cheek, We watched the quivering mast. The atmosphere grew thick and hot, And of a lurid hue, As, riveted unto the spot, Stood officer and crew. The father camon on deck -- He gasped, "O, God, Thy will be done!" Then suddenly a rifle grasped, And aimed it at his son! "Jump far out, boy, into the wave! Jump, or I fire!" he said: "That only chance your life can save! Jump -- jump, boy!" -- He obeyed. He sank -- he rose -- he lived -- he moved -- He for the ship struck out! On board we hailed the lad beloved With many a manly shout. His father drew, in silent joy, Those wet arms round his neck, Then folded to his heart the boy, And fainted on the deck!