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The Ship that Never Returned 
The Ship that Never Returned (Henry Clay Work) 
On a summer's day, when the wave was rippled By the softest gentlest breeze, Did a ship set sail with a cargo laden For a port beyond the seas. There were sweet farewells there were loving signals While a form was yet discerned; Though they knew it not, 'twas a solemn parting For the ship, she never returned. 
cho: Did she never return? She never returned, Her fate, it is yet unlearned, Though for years and years there were fond ones watching Yet the ship she never returned. 
Said a feeble lad to his anxious mother," I must cross the wide, wide sea, For they say, perchance in a foreign climate, There is health and strength for me." 'Twas a gleam of hope in a maze of danger And her heart for her youngest yearned, Yet she sent him forth with a smile and blessing On the ship that never returned. 
"Only one more trip," said a gallant seaman, As he kissed his weeping wife, Only one more bag of the golden treasure And 'twill last us all through life. Then I'll spend my days in my cosy cottage And enjoy the rest I've earned; But alas! poor man! For he sail'd commander Of the ship that never returned. 
note: These are the words and music Work wrote; transcribed from the original sheet music. Folkprocessing of the tune was dramatic. RG From Songs of Henry Clay Work, Work DT #618 Laws D27
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