Oft wound to death the helpless plunder'd crew, Who, 'scaped from every horror of the main, Implored their mercy, but implored in vain: Yet dread not this, a crime to Greece unknown, 850 Such bloodhounds all her circling shores disown; Who, though by barbarous tyranny oppress'd, Can share affliction with the wretch distress'd: Their hearts, by cruel fate inured to grief, Oft to the friendless stranger yield relief." With conscious horror struck, the naval band Detested for a while their native land; They cursed the sleeping vengeance of the laws, That thus forgot her guardian sailors' cause. Meanwhile the master's voice again they heard, 860 Whom, as with filial duty, all revered: "No more remains--but now a trusty band Must ever at the pumps industrious stand; And, while with us the rest attend to wear, Two skilful seamen to the helm repair-- And thou, Eternal Power! whose awful sway The storms revere, and roaring seas obey! On thy supreme assistance we rely; Thy mercy supplicate, if doom'd to die! Perhaps this storm is sent with healing breath 870 From neighbouring shores to scourge disease and death: 'Tis ours on thine unerring laws to trust; With thee, great Lord! 'whatever is, is just.'" He said: and, with consenting reverence fraught, The sailors join'd his prayer in silent thought: His intellectual eye, serenely bright, Saw distant objects with prophetic light. Thus, in a land that lasting wars oppress, That groans beneath misfortune and distress; Whose wealth to conquering armies falls a prey, 880 Till all her vigour, pride, and fame decay; Some bold sagacious statesman, from the helm, Sees desolation gathering o'er his realm; He darts around his penetrating eyes Where dangers grow, and hostile unions rise; With deep attention marks the invading foe, Eludes their wiles and frustrates every blow, Tries his last art the tottering state to save, Or in its ruins find a glorious grave. Still in the yawning trough the vessel reels, 890 Ingulf'd beneath two fluctuating hills; On either side they rise, tremendous scene! A long dark melancholy vale between: The balanced ship, now forward, now behind, Still felt the impression of the waves and wind, And to the right and left by turns inclined; But Albert from behind the balance drew, And on the prow its double efforts threw, The order now was given to bear away! The order given, the timoneers obey: 900 Both stay-sail sheets to mid-ships were convey'd, And round the foremast on each side belay'd: Thus ready, to the halyards they apply--