That forked flash, that pealing crash,

Seemed from the wave to sweep her:

She’s on the rock, with a terrible shock—

And the wail comes louder and deeper,

The life-boat! Man the life-boat!

Quick! man the life-boat! See—the crew

Gaze on their watery grave:

Already, some, a gallant few,

Are battling with the wave;

And one there stands, and wrings his hand