Page:Poems David.djvu/177

While on his blanched lips there slowly died
A single cry of wildest and deepest despair.
Suddenly he felt his arm tightly clasped
By a youth, with firm and frenzied grasp.
"Save me, oh! save me," his messmate wildly cried,
As he clung closer to the fearless Gascoigne's side.
"Save me, oh! save me for my fond mother's sake,
And pity her sad, lonely, and childless state."
"Wilfred, I fear 'tis but a bootless hope,
That we with the raging waters now can cope;
And I fear we all must now prepare to die!"—
A sea swept o'er the doomed frigate's deck,
That almost washed young Gascoigne from the wreck.
Wilfred by that huge mountain was borne,
Perishing amidst that fearful raging storm!—
Once more his arm again was grasped;—
This time 'twas Martin's friendly saving clasp.
"Quick, Gascoigne, the time, alas! is past.
This shattered wreck, another hour, ne'er can last."
Speedily a raft the thoughtful Martin formed,
Of some planks which from the ship were torn.
"But where is Allan?" Gascoigne paused, and cried,
Preparing to leap from the doomed ship's side.
He called, but alas I—all was now in vain.—