The _Charles-and-Emma_ seaward sped, <br />(Named from the carven pair at prow,) <br />He so smart, and a curly head, <br />She tricked forth as a bride knows how: <br />Pretty stem for the port, I trow! <br /> <br />But iron-rust and alum-spray <br />And chafing gear, and sun and dew <br />Vexed this lad and lassie gay, <br />Tears in their eyes, salt tears nor few; <br />And the hug relaxed with the failing glue. <br /> <br />But came in end a dismal night, <br />With creaking beams and ribs that groan, <br />A black lee-shore and waters white: <br />Dropped on the reef, the pair lie prone: <br />O, the breakers dance, but the winds they <br />moan!<br /><br />Herman Melville<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-figure-head/
