These counsels followed, from a watery grave Our crew perhaps amid the surf may save:— “And first, let all our axes be secured, To cut the masts and rigging from aboard; Then to the quarters bind each plank and oar To float between the vessel and the shore: The longest cordage too must be conveyed On deck, and to the weather-rails belayed: So they, who haply reach alive the land, Th’ extended lines may fasten on the strand, Whene’er, loud thundering on the leeward shore, While yet aloof, we hear the breakers roar: Thus for the terrible event prepar’d, Brace fore and aft to starboard every yard; So shall our masts swim lighter on the wave, And from the broken rocks our seamen save; Then westward turn the stem, that every mast May shoreward fall as from the vessel cast. When o’er her side once more the billows bound, Ascend the rigging till she strikes the ground; And, when you hear aloft the dreadful shock That strikes her bottom on some pointed rock, The boldest of our sailors must descend The dangerous business of the deck to tend: Then burst the hatches off, and every stay And every fastening laniard cut away; Planks, gratings, booms, and rafts to leeward cast, Then with redoubled strokes attack each mast, That buoyant lumber may sustain you o’er The rocky shelves and ledges to the shore: But as your firmest succour, till the last, O cling securely on each faithful mast! Though great the danger, and the task severe, Yet bow not to the tyranny of fear; If once that slavish yoke your souls subdue, Adieu to hope! to life itself adieu! “I know among you some have oft beheld A bloodhound train, by rapine’s lust impell’d, On England’s cruel coast impatient stand, To rob the wanderers wrecked upon their strand: These, while their savage office they pursue, Oft wound to death the helpless plundered 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, Such bloodhounds all her circling shores disown; Who, though by barb’rous tyranny opprest, Can share affliction with the wretch distrest: Their hearts, by cruel fate inured to grief, Oft to the friendless stranger yield relief.” With conscious horror struck, the naval band Deserted 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, 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!