And wrecks of shattered ships. Us and our bark

Some god, no man, the storm-tost hull directing,

Hath rescued scathless, stealing us from the fray,

Or with a prayer begging our life from Fate.

Kind Fortune helmed us further, safely kept

From yeasty ferment in the billowy bay,

Nor dashed on far-ledged rocks. Thus having ’scaped

That ocean hell,[n54] scarce trusting our fair fortune,

We hailed the lucid day; but could we hope,

The chance that saved ourselves had saved our friends?