Around her head an oaken wreath was seen, Such was the sculptured prow; from van to rear Serene as summer's evening skies she saw; Her crest, high-plumed, was rough with many a scar, The sword that oft the barbarous North defy'd, The George emblazoned on his corselet shone; Whose strings unlock the witches' midnight spell, These front the scene conspicuous; overhead There, on the watch, sagacious of his prey, And warlike trophies either quarter drest : Then towered the masts, the canvass swelled on high, And waving streamers floated in the sky. Thus the rich vessel moves in trim array, Like some fair virgin on her bridal day; Thus, like a swan, she cleaved the watery plain, The pride and wonder of th' Ægean main. END OF THE FIRST CANTO. SECOND CANTO: THE SCENE LIES AT SEA, BETWEEN CAPE FRESCHIN, IN CANDIA, AND THE ISLAND OF FALCONERA, WHICH IS NEARLY TWELVE LEAGUES NORTHWARD OF CAPE SPADO. TIME, FROM NINE IN THE MORNING UNTIL ONE O'CLOCK OF THE NEXT DAY AT NOON. ARGUMENT. I. Reflections on leaving Shore.- -II. Favourable Breeze -Water-Spout-The dying Dolphin-Breeze freshens -Ship's rapid progress along the Coast-Top-Sails reefed-Gale of Wind-Last appearance, bearing, and distance of Cape Spado-A Squall-Top-Sails double reefed-Main-Sail split-The Ship bears up; again hauls upon the Wind-Another Main-Sail bent, and set -Porpoises.-III. The Ship driven out of her course from Candia-Heavy Gale-Top-Sails furled-Topgallant-yards lowered-Heavy Sea-Threatening Sun set-Difference of Opinion respecting the mode of taking in the Main-sail-Courses reefed-Four Seamen lost off the lee Main-yard-arm-Anxiety of the Master, and his Mates, on being near a Lee-shore-Mizen reefed. IV. A tremendous Sea bursts over the Deck; its consequences-The Ship labours in great DistressGuns thrown overboard-Dismal appearance of the Weather-Very high and dangerous Sea-Storm of Lightning-Severe fatigue of the Crew at the PumpsCritical situation of the Ship near the Island Falconera -Consultation and resolution of the Officers-Speech and advice of Albert; his devout Address to Heaven-Order given to scud-The Fore Stay-sail hoisted and split-The Head Yards braced aback-The MizenMast cut away. |