"Loading is from the wharf or from lighters which come alongside the ships. There are hundreds of lighters in dock at any one time. The crew of the lighter lives on board all the time, and every so often they take turns to go home, usually in the country, to see their families."
THE FAIRY BOATS 1 I dreamed a vision from the skies, A host of children by the sea : They played—I heard their distant cries, Their heads were light, their hearts were free. No sin had worn that angel band, No fiend had come to tempt or try; They looked for shells along the strand Till ev'ning touched the sea and sky. '2 Each found a shell of fav'rite hues; For some a purest silver-pearl, Some red as ruby lip would choose, Some golden as a glossy curl. No sin had worn that angel band, No fiend had come to tempt or try; They looked for shells along the strand Till ev'ning touched the sea and sky. 3 And riding on the ocean's mane Appeared a fragile fairy boat, And others followed in its train So frail they scarce could rest afloat. Upon the beach they gently drove : With each a pilot standing by. The sun was set; and far above A half-moon sailed upon the sky.
4 A boat for each was on the shore, All fit for but a flimsy freight, To bear the child and guide, no more; Would sink beneath an added weight. "Come," called the pilot, "cast your pride Away upon a dusky sea; Cast all your shells away !" he cried, "And sail, and sail away with me."
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