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The treacherous ocean, suddenly a storm Wrecked our frail bark; within my arms I clasped My hapless wife, and ploughed the weltering wave: Stunned by a blow, all power forsook my limbs, And she was lost; but, by a miracle, A fishing vessel that outlived the gale, Espied me ere the vital spark had fled, And called me back to life. I sought my home, And hid my secret in my breast— Yet still Cherished thine early love, thy first, first love? No—'twas a boyish fancy. I have learned The lesson since. My Helen, whilst thine heart Beats against mine, I feel that I adore The mother of my child. Come, dry those tears, Thou never had'st a rival. Garcia now Will claim thy pity; think what he hath lost, What he hath suffered.