202 HISTORY OF TWO BROTHERS. 



plunge she gave sent the bowsprit and main- 

 boom alternately under water. Still she shewed 

 all the virtues of a beautiful little sea-boat^ 

 now mounting up aloft, then plunging into the 

 abyss below ; 



Now launching headlong from the horrid vale, 

 She hears no more the roaring of the gale ; 

 Till up the dreadful height again she flies, 

 Trembling beneath the current of the skies. 



One sea struck her which smashed in the sky* 

 light, and, rushing down into the cabin, dis- 

 charged its whole contents into my bed-place, 

 setting the bed, bedding, and every thing else 

 floating about in all directions. The hatches were 

 now fastened down, and all below was total 

 darkness. On deck, the seas were making a 

 clear breach over her, and to hold on was the prin- 

 cipal look out of every one on board. To stand 

 or walk was impossible ; so all we could do was 

 to sit upon deck, lash a rope round our bodies, 

 and get quietly wet through to the skin. During 



