Attempt to steer obliquely on the gale:

For then, if broaching sideway to the sea,

Our dropsied ship may founder by the lee;

Vain all endeavours then to bear away,

Nor helm, nor pilot, would she more obey.”

He said: the listening mates with fixed regard,

And silent reverence, his opinion heard;

Important was the question in debate,

And o’er their counsels hung impending fate:

Rodmond, in many a scene of peril tried,