When, in the mid-sea of the night,
I waken at thy call, O Lord,
The first that troop my bark aboard
Are darksome imps that hate the light,
Whose tongues are arrows, eyes a blight —
Of wraths and cares a pirate horde —
Though on the mid-sea of the night
It was thy call that waked me, Lord.
Then I must to my arms and fight —
Catch up my shield and two-edged sword,
The words of him who is thy word —
Nor cease till they are put to flight;
Then in the mid-sea of the night
I turn and listen for thee, Lord.