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 Drops anchor: by the starboard swings:

And, when a-lee her stern is cast,

"Hauls on the slack, and cuts adrift:

Sheets home her foresail: fills, and swerves

A ship's length forth. Subtle and swift

Her aim the tempest's wrath now serves.

"In view of those safe, rescued men,

Foot by foot steals she space to live:

Self-stripped of hope, except she win

The offing. None can succor give!

"A ship's length more! One ship's length more!

And then 'helm down!' Then, somewhat free

Comes the fierce blast! That leeward shore

Slides slow astern! That raging sea

"Widens! If once yon whitened reef

She weathers! 'tis a saviour saved!—

Seamanship conquers! past belief

She rounds! The peril hath been braved!