Page:Poems - Southey (1799) volume 1.djvu/121

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105

JOHN
But what are these dangers to those I have past
When the dark billows roar'd to the roar of the blast?
When we work'd at the pumps worn with labour and weak
And with dread still beheld the increase of the leak;
Sometimes as we rose on the wave could our sight
From the rocks of the shore catch the light-houses light;
In vain to the beach to assist us they press,
We fire faster and faster our guns of distress;
Still with rage unabating the wind and waves roar—
How the giddy wreck reels—as the billows burst o'er—
Leap—leap—for she yawns—for she sinks in the wave—
Call on God to preserve—for God only can save!

SAMUEL.
There's an end of all troubles however at last!
And when I in the waggon of wounded was cast,
When my wounds with the chilly night-wind smarted sore
And I thought of the friends I should never see more,
No hand to relieve—scarce a morsel of bread—
Sick at heart I have envied the peace of the dead!
Left to rot in a jail till by treaty set free,