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But the shadow she cast, was the sole dark thing That upon the waters lay.

With steps of power, and with steps of pride, The lord of the vessel paced The deck, as he thought on the waves below, And the glorious heaven he faced.

One moment's pause, and his spirit fell From its bearing high and proud— But yet it was not a thought of fear, That the seaman's spirit bow'd:

For he had stood on the deck when washed With blood, and that blood his own; When the dying were pillowed upon the dead, And yet you heard not a groan—