THE FIGURE-HEAD

The Charles-and-Emma seaward sped,

( Named from the carven pair at prow,)

He so smart, and a curly head,

She tricked forth as a bride knows how:

Pretty stem for the port, I trow!

But iron-rust and alum-spray

And chafing gear, and sun and dew

Vexed this lad and lassie gay,

Tears in their eyes, salt tears nor few;

And the hug relaxed with the failing glue.

But came in end a dismal night,

With creaking beams and ribs that groan,

A black lee-shore and waters white:

Dropped on the reef, the pair lie prone:

O, the breakers dance, but the winds they moan!