lOO THE CALL OF THE SEA 



came aft in a body, and loudly asked that the 

 vessel should be put about, and that the storm be 

 no longer tempted. Now, then, for speeches : 

 the Captain, his eyes flashing fire, his frame all 

 quivering with emotion— wielding his every limb, 

 like another and a louder voice — pours forth the 

 eloquent torrent of his threats, and his reasons, his 

 commands, and his prayers ; he promises — he 

 vows — he swears that there is safety in holding on 

 — safety, if Greeks will be brave ! The men hear 

 and are moved ; but the gale rouses itself once 

 more, and again the raging sea comes trampling 

 over the timbers that are the life of all. The 

 fierce Hydriot advances one step nearer to the 

 Captain, and the angry growl of the people goes 

 floating down the wind ; but they listen, they 

 waver once more, and once more resolve, then 

 waver again, thus doubtfully hanging between 

 the terrors of the storm and the persuasion 

 of glorious speech, as though it were the Athenian 

 that talked, and Philip of Macedon that thundered 

 on the weather-bow. 



Brave thoughts winged on Grecian words gained 

 their natural mastery over Terror ; the brigantine 

 held on her course, and reached smooth water at 

 last. 



A. W. Kinglake. 



