Drops anchor: by the starboard swings:
And, when a-lee her stern is cast,
"Hauls on the slack, and cuts adrift:
Sheets home her foresail: fills, and swerves
A ship's length forth. Subtle and swift
Her aim the tempest's wrath now serves.
"In view of those safe, rescued men,
Foot by foot steals she space to live:
Self-stripped of hope, except she win
The offing. None can succor give!
"A ship's length more! One ship's length more!
And then 'helm down!' Then, somewhat free
Comes the fierce blast! That leeward shore
Slides slow astern! That raging sea
"Widens! If once yon whitened reef
She weathers! 'tis a saviour saved!—
Seamanship conquers! past belief
She rounds! The peril hath been braved!
