But lo! a third man rose o'er the wave, And we said, "Thank God! us three may He save!"185
He clutched to the yard with panting stare, And we looked and knew Fitz-Stephen there.
He clung, and "What of the Prince?" quoth he. "Lost, lost!" we cried. He cried, "Woe on me!" And loosed his hold and sank through the sea.190
And soul with soul again in that space We two were together face to face:
And each knew each, as the moment sped, Less for one living than for one dead:
And every still star overhead195 Seemed an eye that knew we were but dead.
And the hours passed; till the noble's son Sighed, "God be thy help! my strength's foredone[282]!
"O farewell, friend, for I can no more!" "Christ take thee!" I moaned; and his life was o'er.200
Three hundred souls were all lost but one, And I drifted over the sea alone.
At last the morning rose on the sea Like an angel's wing that beat tow'ds me.