She got up the steam twelfth day of March and shortly did embark. To try her fortune in the Gulf in charge of Captain Clark. She carried a hundred and seventy men, a strong and vigorous race, Some from
St. John's and
Brigus, and some more from
Harbour Grace. She reached the
Gulf in early March, the white-coats for to slew, When seventeen thousand prime young
harps killed by her hardy crew, All panned and safely stowed below, with colours waving gay, The
Southern Cross she leaved the ice, bound up for home that day. She passed near
Channel homeward bound, as news came out next day, To say a steamer from the Gulf she noe is on her way. "No doubt it is the
Southern Cross, "the operator said, "And looking to have a bumper trip, and well down by the head." The last of March the storm came on with blinding snow and sleet; The
Portia, bound for western ports, the
Southern Cross did meet; When Captain Connors from the bridge he saw the ship that day, And thinking she would shelter up in
St. Mary's Bay. St. Mary's Bay she never reached, as news came out next morn. She must have been all night at sea, out in that dreadful storm. No word came from the
Southern Cross now twenty days or more; To say she reached a harbour around the western shore. The
SS Kyle was soon dispatched to search the ocean round, But no sign of the missing ship could anywhere be found. She searched
Cape Race and every place until she reached
Cape Pine, But of the ship or wrecking the captain saw no sign. The Southern Cross out twenty days, she now is overdue; We hope, please God, she'll soon arrive and all her hearty crew, But put your trust in
Providence and trust to Him on high To send the
Southern Cross safe home and fill sad hearts with joy. All things do happen for the best, but if they're called away, The brave lads on the
Southern Cross out in the storm that day, We trust they reach the heavenly and rest with Him on high, Where cares and sorrows are no more, but all is peace and joy. ==See also==