But what are these dangers to those I have past

  When the dark billows roar'd to the roar of the blast?

  When we work'd at the pumps worn with labour and weak

  And with dread still beheld the increase of the leak,

  Sometimes as we rose on the wave could our sight

  From the rocks of the shore catch the light-houses light;

  In vain to the beach to assist us they press,

  We fire faster and faster our guns of distress,

  Still with rage unabating the wind and waves roar—

  How the giddy wreck reels—as the billows burst o'er—

  Leap—leap—for she yawns—for she sinks in the wave—

  Call on God to preserve—for God only can save!