And slid, or leaped, or ran with whirls of cloud,

Mad with inhuman life that shrieked aloud.

The watch was called; Dauber might go below.

"Splice the main brace!" the Mate called. All laid aft

To get a gulp of momentary glow

As some reward for having saved the craft.

The steward ladled mugs, from which each quaff'd

Whisky, with water, sugar, and lime-juice, hot,

A quarter of a pint each made the tot.

Beside the lamp-room door the steward stood