The bowfast was cast off, the screw revolved,

Making a bloodier bubbling; rattling rope

Fell to the hatch, the engine's tune resolved

Into its steadier beat of rise and slope;

The steamer went her way; and Michael's hope

Died as she lessened; he was there alone.

The lowing of the cattle made a gradual moan.

He thought of Mary, but the thought was dim;

That was another life, lived long before.

His mind was in new worlds which altered him.