Once more upon the waters! yet once more! ³

And the waves bound beneath me as a steed

That knows his rider. ⁴ Welcome to their roar!

Swift be their guidance, wheresoe'er it lead!

Though the strained mast should quiver as a reed,

And the rent canvass fluttering strew the gale, ⁵

Still must I on; for I am as a weed,

Flung from the rock, on Ocean's foam, to sail

Where'er the surge may sweep, the tempest's breath prevail.