The Shipwreck: A Poem

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Page 149 - Wilt thou upon the high and giddy mast Seal up the ship-boy's eyes, and rock his brains In cradle of the rude imperious surge ; And in the visitation of the winds, Who take the ruffian billows by the top, Curling their monstrous heads, and hanging them With deafning clamours in the slippery clouds, That, with the hurly, death itself awakes ? Canst thou, O partial sleep!
Page 149 - That, with the hurly, death itself awakes ? Canst thou, O partial sleep, give thy repose To the wet sea-boy in an hour so rude ; And in the calmest and most stillest night, With all appliances and means to boot, Deny it to a king ? Then happy low, lie down ! Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.
Page 122 - Decisive Goal of all their hopes and fears : The Seamen now in wild amazement see The scene of ruin rise beneath their Lee ; Swift from their minds elapsed all dangers past, As dumb with terror they behold the last.
Page 157 - Riches are oft by guilt and baseness earn'd ; Or dealt by chance to shield a lucky knave, Or throw a cruel sunshine on a fool.
Page 27 - Thames meandering rolls his ample tide : There live the hope and pleasure of his life, A pious daughter, and a faithful wife : For his return with fond officious care Still every grateful object these prepare : Whatever can allure the smell or sight, Or wake the drooping spirits to delight, " This blooming maid in virtue's path to guide The...
Page 123 - The vessel, while the dread event draws nigh, Seems more impatient o'er the waves to fly. Fate spurs her on. Thus, issuing from afar, Advances to the sun some blazing star; And, as it feels th' attraction's kindling force, Springs onward with accelerated course.
Page ix - Thus o'er the flood four hours she scudding flew, When Falconera's rugged cliffs they view, Faintly along the larboard bow descried, As o'er its mountain tops the lightnings glide. High o'er its summit, through the gloom of night, The glimmering watch-tower casts a mournful light : In dire amazement riveted they stand, And hear the breakers lash the rugged strand — But scarce perceived, when past the beam it flies, Swift as the rapid eagle cleaves the skies. That danger past reflects a feeble joy,...
Page 74 - Too soon the eventful moments haste away ! Here perseverance, with each help of art, Must join the boldest efforts of the heart; These only now their misery can relieve, These only now a dawn of safety give. While o'er the quivering deck from van to rear Broad surges roll in terrible career...
Page 128 - Awhile they bore the o'erwhelming billows' rage, Unequal combat with their fate to wage; Till all benumbed, and feeble, they forego Their slippery hold, and sink to shades below : Some, from the main yard-arm impetuous thrown On marble ridges, die without a groan : Three with Palemon on their skill depend, And from the wreck on oars and rafts descend ; Now on the mountain-wave on high they ride, Then downward plunge beneath...
Page 90 - Can share affliction with the wretch distrest: Their hearts, by cruel fate inured to grief, Oft to the friendless stranger yield relief.

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