Push bravely, Mates! Our guiding star
Now from its towerlet streameth far;
And now along the nearing strand,
See, swiftly moves yon flaming brand:
Before the midnight watch is past,
We'll quaff our bowl and mock the blast.
Bast. (without.)
Holla, good Mate! Thou who so bravely sing'st!
Come down, I pray thee.
1st Fish.Who art thou who call'st?
2d Fish. I know the voice; 'tis Sign'or Bastiani.
1st Fish. What! he, at such an hour, upon the cliff!
(Calling down.) I cannot come. If, from my station here,
This fire untended, I were found; good sooth!
I had as lief the luckless friar be,
Who spilt the Abbot's wine.
2d Fish. I'll go to him.[Exit.
1st Fish. (muttering to himself.)
Aye; leave my watch, indeed! a rare entreaty!
Enter Bastiani.
Bast. Wilt thou not go? A boat near to the shore,
In a most perilous state, calls for assistance:
Who is like thee, good Stephen, bold and skilful?
Haste to its aid, if there be pity in thee,
Or any Christian grace. I will, meantime,
