The boats were all set to depart The crews mend the nets for the journey One last kiss from sweethearts and wives Who were left standing there by the sea. One young wife with tears in her eyes Who had only a short time been wed But with others she waited return Of her husband the fisherman Ned. She watched the small boats where they sailed Just a spec on the distant horizon Then she turned her weary foot home For she knew that the night would soon come. How empty the village would be How lonely the fisherman's wife For this was Ned's first trip to sea Since she'd moved to the village his wife. Some days now have passed since they've gone Was time to return to the harbor The women and children were there With laughter and hearts all a stir. And soon there were cries of delight From the lips of the ones who were gathered A pointed white sail had been seen They were welcomed and hailed as they neared. And then came a sign of despair For the sight of the boats they had yearned They all knew that fifteen had left But only fourteen had re turned. There Grace so torn could not see Was Ned's boat that could not be found The others trekked back to their homes While Grace knelt there on the ground. The story was told of the wind And the storm how the one boat was swept How the men had been lost in the night Then the whole village silently wept. The village still tells how for years The young fisherwoman and bride Had watched for a boat to come in Each day by the lonely sea side.