Some, trav’llers up the weather-back stays send, }
At each mast-head the top-ropes others bend: }
The parrels, lifts, and clue-lines soon are gone,
Topped and unrigged, they down the back-stays run;
The yards secure along the booms were laid,
And all the flying ropes aloft belay’d:
Their sails reduced, and all the rigging clear,
Awhile the crew relax from toils severe;
Awhile their spirits, with fatigue opprest,
In vain expect th’ alternate hour of rest—