The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-10-16
BALLAD OF THE CANAL BOY

Supposed to have been sung or SolioquiZ-
ed by the youthful Garted% while plying
his vocation on the Ohio and Pennsylvania
canal in 1917. The name of the boat WAS
Ercning Star. Intending, if possible, to
procure Il situation on one of the lake YES
sells, he applied to the captain of 4 craft
who, i'll rough manner and with profane
reply, peremptorily denied the position
Indaunted, however, by this refusal, he
proceed to the canal and was recognized by
his cousin, Amos Letcher, the captain of
the Erening St0r, who at once gave him Il
situation as driver on the towpath.
With wiStfnl look on Fries stand
Its wide eXpanSe sought to try,
The captain who eSSayed command
In Gliding gave profane reply.
With look repelling to the young
And inexperienced, at one blow
OF proclamation from his tongue
He sought my hopes to overthrow:
And treated thus with foul disdain
The smooth canal my steps drew near
gazetl, not hopeless nnr in vain,
y kinder Voice broke on my ear.
NV kinsmal, Amos fletcher, hailed
In tones well could undcrstaud;-
O ii>>iui hope that had not failed
| To Gc my constant friend ut hand.
He Spalc and called assigned for me
| The townalh, suited for my thought
| My kinSmar. gratitude TO thee
| For signal favor thus UuSUught.
Experience here might we'll prepare
For scenes ambition sought i'll ease,
| III" pcrilS of the Lake TO share
| OR brave rude storms on hillowy seas.
| How young ambition fired my brain
la earlier hcyhoo,i when read
! of thrilling scenes on Ocean ) main
When doubts and fears around were
spread.
When tempc>ts dashed the railing flood
| Threat ming Il gallant crew to whrlm,
How i'll the strength Of courage stood,
safe guide, the pilot at the helm.
| Tie wild romance rings in mine ear,
| Loud Shriciis from hearts, yet nohly brave.
| And now. cen now mcthnk> hear
| The dirgs-lilie murlnuriiig IS from lie wave.
| \ liclmSman i'll such net,lful time
| Dare | 10 hope for on LIES stream
| When youth has PASS Il to ulal.ho0d's prime,
Or this, Elusive Fancy's dream:
Though but lad of sixteen years,
leave my home, my peaceful home,
With childish hopes and childish fears
| Abroad hencciurth the world TO roam.
| My father Giicd-our means We're small
| I've started on my new career,
y loLc canal hoy, yet withal
My mothers blessed words hear:
$50 thou, my son, " here duty leads,
Though clouds may Sometimes overcasc,
| Let true and upright he thy deeds,
Tie crowniug honor GENES at last"
Sweet was my mothers parting kiss.
Those living wortS-they cannot die
And $tiullid my footsteps stray amiSS,
Still do they linger, linger nigh.
| Faint and weary | may be,
| Some sweet recall maj leS courage strong,
| And in these SolitutlcS To me
The birds are swccter III their song
| Tie solitary path tread
rhru' woods ard wales from early sun
| TIL ,luSky eve, her mantle spread,
i'ruclaimS the day. long toll is donc.
And then, ere chains OF siumbtr bind me
How turned my thoughts TO hat loved cot
! The counsel that can now remind me
How checkcred here LIES common lot.
With struggling Toll long may cope,
| And thus perchancc through many :. day
| But ., the cheering beams of hope
| Fall glimmerins on my destined way.
The gates Of knowledge opened wide,
:, NJ "'' ma. 'h''I VI our hi''''
nay motto: seek all" We Shall ''h"-
.;,..,,. ,,,,:.,.
While busy thought essays to greet