Classic Poem

Now what avails it to be brave? —
On liquid precipices hung,
Around us fierce tornadoes rave,
Beneath us yawn'd a sea-deep grave,
And silenced every tongue.

What ruling force, what active power
That bids the winds and waves obey.
Will now appear to sooth the roar
Of nature, in her agony?

Does lightning's flash announce our doom! —
Do thunders, rattling through the sky? —
Strange fires the watery wave illume,
That inlet to eternity!

The creaking yards, the laboring masts
Proclaimed distress , not distant far:
No sail endures these rugged blasts,
Engaged in elemental roar.

Ah me! what waves assail the ship,
What bursting seas, what floods of spray!
Scarce nimble Jack retains his grip
When up the shrouds he gropes his way.

What yet avails, what yet remains
But anxious hearts, and toil severe —
The clanking pumps — incessant rain
Descend, another deluge here!

How feeble are the strongest hands,
How weak all human efforts prove! —
He who obeys, and who commands
Must await a mandate from above.

'Tis done! — we view in western skies
The clouds dispersed, and stars appear;
Before the blast the vapour flies;
The waves subside their awful swell,
The starboard watch hails, All is well!
And from the land again we steer.