Wan white mists upon the sea, East wind harping mournfully All the sunken reefs along, Wail and heart-break in its song, But adown the placid bay Fisher-folk keep holiday. All the deeps beyond the bar Call and murmur from afar, 'Plaining of a mighty woe Where the great ships come and go, But adown the harbor gray Fisher-folk keep holiday. When the cloudy heavens frown, And the sweeping rain comes down, Boats at anchorage must bide In despite of time or tide; Making merry as they may Fisher-folk keep holiday. Now is time for jest and song All the idle shore along, Now is time for wooing dear, Maidens cannot choose but hear; Daffing toil and care away Fisher-folk keep holiday. Oh, the fretted reefs may wail, Every man has furled his sail! Oh, the wind may moan in fear, Every lad is with his dear! Mirth and laughter have their way, Fisher-folk keep holiday.
Composition date is unknown - the above date represents the first publication date.
The lyrical form of this poem is aabbcc.23.
Daffing: leaving behind.
