Page:Songs from the Southern Seas and Other Poems (1873).djvu/93

Rh That his rage was roused. 'Lay off,' roared the Mate, 'and all keep clear of the line!' And that was a timely warning, for the whale made an awful breach Right out of the sea; and 'twas well for us that the boat was beyond the reach Of his sweeping flukes, as he milled around, and made for the Captain's boat, That was right astern. And, shipmates, then my heart swelled up in my throat At the sight I saw: the Amber Whale was lashing the sea with rage. And two of his hundred-barrel guards were ready now to engage In a bloody fight, and with open jaws they came to their master's aid. Then we knew the Captain's boat was doomed; but the crew were no whit afraid,— They were brave New England whalemen,—and we saw the harpooneer Stand up to send in his irons, as soon as the whales came near.