[ 5 ]
Now the dreadful thunders roaring,
peals on peals contending claſh,
On our heads fierce rain falls pouring,
in our eyes blue lightning flaſh.
One wide water all around us,
all above but one black ſky!
Diff'rent deaths at once ſurround us,
Hark! what means yon dreadful cry?
The foremaſt's gone, cries ev'ry tongue out,
o’er the lee, twelve foot ’bove deck!
A leak beneath the cheſtree’s ſprung out!
call all hands to clear the wreck.
Quick the laniards cut to pieces,
come, my hearts, be ſtout and bold;
Plumb the well, the leak increaſes,
four feet water’s in the hold!
While o'er the ſhip the wild waves beating,
we for wives and children mourn:
Alas! from them there’s no retreating,
alas! to them there’s no return!
Still the leak is gaining on us,
both chain pumps are choak’d below;
Heav’n have mercy here upon us!
only He can ſave us now.
On the lee-beem is the land, boys,
let the guns o’er board be thrown;
To the pumps come ev’ry hand, boys,
ſee! her mizzen maſt is gone.
