"The Leap for Life"
(Deposited 18 Oct 1850; 
Recorded Vol. 25, page 464)
Song & Quartette.
Poetry by George Pope Morris, Esq., 1802-1864
Music composed by Bernard Covert
and sang by him at his concerts
throughout the Union.

Publsihed by B. Covert
Price 25 cents net.
[Source: 1850-470640@LoC]

1. Old Iron sides 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 galant hardihood; 
Climb’d deck and spar and then upon 
The main truck rose and stood.

2. A shudder ran through ev’ry vein,
All eyes were turn’d on high:
There stood the boy with dizzy brain,
Between the sea and sky.
No hold he had, above, below,
Alone he stood in air,
At that far height none dar’d to go,
No aid could reach him there!

3. We gaz’d but not a man could speak,
With horror all aghast,
In groups, with pallid brow and cheek,
We watch’d the quiv’ring mast;
The atmosphere grew thick and hot,
And of a lurid hue,
As, riveted unto the spot,
Stood officers and crew.

4. The father came on deck, he gasp’d,
“Oh God! Thy will be done!”
Then suddenly a rifle grasp’d
And aim’d 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 obey’d.

5. He sunk, he rose, he lived, he mov’d,
He for the ship struck out!
On board we hail’d the lad belov’d,
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!