These things are on the knees of the great gods;
But, hap what hap, that slow-descending form,
Which oft hath stood with winds and waves at odds,
And almost single-handed braved the storm,
Shows an heroic shape; and high hearts warm
To that stout grim-faced bulk
Of manhood looming large against the hulk
Of the great Ship, whose course, at fate's commands,
He leaves to lesser hands!