Dark o’erhead[21] the storm-clouds gather,

Huge waves mountains form,

As a stout[2] old ship comes struggling

On against the storm.

Hark![3] e’en now across the billows

On the wind there floats,

Sharp and shrill, the boatswain’s whistle

Sounding,[5] “Man the boats!”

At the sound, from cabin doorways,

Rushing out headlong,