As flying fish took wing; the breakfast passed,

Wasting good time, but he was free at last.

Free for two hours and more to tingle deep,

Catching a likeness in a line or tint,

The canvas running up in a proud sweep,

Wind-wrinkled at the clews, and white like lint,

The glittering of the blue waves into glint;

Free to attempt it all, the proud ship's pawings,

The sea, the sky--he went to fetch his drawings.

Up to the deck-house top he quickly climbed,