The Spirit of Obstruction had followed in spook-like silent, sub-marine secrecy.]
And some in dreams assured were
Of the spirit that plagued us so;
Nine fathom deep he had followed us,
From the land of mist and snow.
If this be so, my shipmates said,
What use that bird to shoot?
We make no way, no more than if
We were shackled hand and foot.
The shipmates, in their sore distress, are tempted to throw the blame on the Ancient Mariner.]