Herman Melville

The Figure-Head

     The Charles-and-Emma seaward sped,
     (Named from the carven pair at prow,)
     He so smart, and a curly head,
     She tricked forth as a bride knows how:
     Pretty stem for the port, I trow!

     But iron-rust and alum-spray
     And chafing gear, and sun and dew
     Vexed this lad and lassie gay,
     Tears in their eyes, salt tears nor few;
       And the hug relaxed with the failing glue.

     But came in end a dismal night,
     With creaking beams and ribs that groan,
     A black lee-shore and waters white:
     Dropped on the reef, the pair lie prone:
       O, the breakers dance, but the winds they
         moan!