Page:Songs from the Southern Seas and Other Poems (1873).djvu/189

A warning to the daring man to curb his impious pride.
A crested mountain struck the ship, and like a frighted bird
She trembled 'neath the awful shock. Then Vanderdecken heard
A pleading voice within the gale,—his better angel spoke,
But fled before his scowling look, as mast-high mountains broke
Around the trembling vessel, till the crew with terror paled;
But Vanderdecken never flinched, nor 'neath the thunders quailed.
With folded arms and stern-pressed lips, dark anger in his eye.
He answered back the threatening frown that lowered o'er the sky.
With fierce defiance in his heart, and scornful look of flame.
He spoke, and thus with impious voice blasphemed God's holy name:—