I heard a sound as of breathing,[458] and then a low cry of pain;
Oh, was there mercy in heaven?[459] Was there a God in the skies?
The dead woman’s lips were moving,[460] the dead woman opened her eyes.
I cursed[461] like a madman raving—I cried to her, “Nell! my Nell!”[462]
They had left us alone and helpless, alone in that burning hell,
They had left us alone to perish—forgotten me living—and she
Had been left for the fire to bear her to heaven,[463] instead of the sea.[464]
I clutched at her,[465] roused her shrieking, the stupor was on her still;
I seized her in spite of my fetters,—fear gave a giant’s will.
God knows how I did it, but blindly I fought through the flames and the wreck