I saw three ships a-sailing, A-sailing on the sea, The first her masts were silver, Her hull was ivory. The snows came drifting softly, And lined her white as wool; Oh, Jesus, Son of Mary, Thy Cradle beautiful! I saw three ships a-sailing, The next was red as blood, Her decks shone like a ruby, Encrimsoned all her wood. Her main-mast stood up lonely, A lonely Cross and stark. Oh, Jesus, Son of Mary, Bring all men to that ark! I saw three ships a-sailing. The third for cargo bore The souls of men redeemed, That shall be slaves no more. The lost beloved faces, I saw them glad and free. Oh, Jesus, Son of Mary, When wilt thou come for me?