Page:The Muse in Arms, Osborn (ed), 1917.djvu/117

Rh Then a courtly voice and stately from a tall three-decker came—

She'd the manners of a monarch and a story in her name:

"We'd a winter gale at even, and my shrouds are aching yet,

It was more than time for reefing when the upper sails were set.

So we chased in woful weather, till we closed in failing light,

Then we fought them, as we caught them, just as Hawke had bid us fight;

And we swept the sea by sunrise, clear and free beyond a doubt.

Was it thus the matter ended when the enemy was out?"

Cried the Breeze: "They fought and followed in the old way,

For they raced to make a record all the while,

With a knot to veer and haul on, in the old way,

That had never even met the measured mile—

And the guns were making merry in the twilight.

That the enemy was victor may be true,

Still—he hurried into harbour—in the old way—

And I wondered if he'd ever heard of you."

Came a gruff and choking chuckle, and a craft as black as doom

Lumbered laughing down to leeward, as the bravest gave her room.