Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 2.djvu/145

CANTO II.] When the fresh breeze is fair as breeze may be,

The white sail set, the gallant Frigate tight—

Masts, spires, and strand retiring to the right,

The glorious Main expanding o'er the bow,

The Convoy spread like wild swans in their flight,

The dullest sailer wearing bravely now—

So gaily curl the waves before each dashing prow.

XVIII.

And oh, the little warlike world within!

The well-reeved guns, the netted canopyN9

The hoarse command, the busy humming din,

When, at a word, the tops are manned on high:

Hark, to the Boatswain's call, the cheering cry!

While through the seaman's hand the tackle glides;

Or schoolboy Midshipman that, standing by,

Strains his shrill pipe as good or ill betides,

And well the docile crew that skilful Urchin guides.

XIX.

White is the glassy deck, without a stain,

Where on the watch the staid Lieutenant walks:

Look on that part which sacred doth remain

For the lone Chieftain, who majestic stalks,

Silent and feared by all—not oft he talks

With aught beneath him, if he would preserve