Herman Melville - Father Mapples Hymn

Lyrics

The ribs and terrors in the whale Arched over me a dismal gloom While all God's sun-lit waves rolled by And lift me deepening down to doom I saw the opening maw of hell With endless pains and sorrows there; Which none but they that feel can tell - Oh, I was plunging to despair In black distress, I called my God When I could scarce believe him mine He bowed his ear to my complaints - No more the whale did me confine With speed he flew to my reliеf As on a radiant dolphin borne; Awful, yet bright, as lightning shone Thе face of my Deliverer God My song for ever shall record That terrible, that joyful hour; I give the glory to my God His all the mercy and the power