Page:Songs from the Southern Seas and Other Poems (1873).djvu/186

182 Fierce swell the winds and waters round the Dutchman's gallant ship, But, to their rage, defiance rings from Vanderdecken's lip: Impotent they to make him swerve, their might he dares despise, As straight he holds his onward course, and wind and wave defies. For days and nights he struggles in the wierd, unearthly fight. His brow is bent, his eye is fierce, but looks of deep affright Amongst the mariners go round, as hopelessly they steer: They do not dare to murmur, but they whisper what they fear. Their black-browed captain awes them: 'neath his darkened eye they quail. And in a grim and sullen mood their bitter fate bewail. As some fierce rider ruthless spurs a timid, wavering horse.