And fast through the midnight dark and drear, — Shipwreck

"Naufragium sibi quisque facit."

"It was a touching answer of a Christian sailor, when asked why he remained so calm in a fearful storm, when the sea seemed ready to devour the ship. He was not sure that he could swim. "But," he said, "though I sink I shall only drop into the hollow of my Fathers hand; for He holds all these waters there."

"Again she plunges! hark! a second shock Bilges the splitting vessel on the rock; Down on the vale of death, with dismal cries, The fated victims shuddering cast their eyes In wild despair; while yet another stroke With strong convulsion rends the solid oak: Ah Heaven!—behold her crashing ribs divide! She loosens, parts, and spreads in ruin oer the tide."

"Some hoisted out the boats, and there was one That begged Pedrillo for an absolution, Who told him to be damnd,—in his confusion."

"Then rose from sea to sky the wild farewell— Then shriekd the timid, and stood still the brave,— Then some leapd overboard with fearful yell, As eager to anticipate their grave."

"But hark! what shriek of death comes in the gale, And in the distant ray what glimmering sail Bends to the storm?—Now sinks the note of fear! Ah? wretched mariners!—no more shall day Unclose his cheering eye to light ye on your way!"