The Return Home

Verse 1

Safe Home, safe Home in port! Rent cordage, shattered deck, Torn sails, provisions short, And only not a wreck: But O the joy upon the shore To tell our voyage perils o’er!

Verse 2

The prize, the prize secure! The warrior nearly fell; Bare all he could endure, And bare not always well: But he may smile at troubles gone Who sets the victor-garland on!

Verse 3

No more the foe can harm No more of leaguer'd camp, And cry of night alarm, And need of ready lamp: And yet how nearly he had fail'd,— How nearly had that foe prevail'd!

Verse 4

The lamb is in the fold In perfect safety penn'd: The lion once had hold, And thought to make an end; But One came by with wounded Side, And for the sheep the Shepherd died.