For we saw afar a ship on the tide,

With a bounding course and a fearless sail.

In darkness it came, like a storm-sent bird,

But another ship it met on the wave:

A shock—a shout—but no more we heard,

For they both went down to their ocean-grave!

We paused on the misty wing of the storm,

As a ruddy flash lit the face of the deep,

And far in its bosom full many a form

Was swinging down to its silent sleep.