No matter though our decks be swept
  And mast and timber crack—
We can make good all loss except
  The loss of turning back.
So, 'twixt these Devils and our deep
  Let courteous trumpets sound,
To welcome Fate's discourtesy
  Whereby it will be found, etc.

Be well assured, though in our power
  Is nothing left to give
But chance and place to meet the hour,
  And leave to strive to live,
Till these dissolve our Order holds,
  Our Service binds us here.
Then welcome Fate's discourtesy
  Whereby it is made clear,
  How in all time of our distress,
  As in our triumph too,
  The game is more than the player of the game
  And the ship is more than the crew!

1894

"And reports the derelict 'Mary Pollock' still at sea"
  Shipping News.

I was the staunchest of our fleet
  Till the sea rose beneath my feet
Unheralded, in hatred past all measure.
  Into his pits he stamped my crew,
  Buffeted, blinded, bound and threw,
Bidding me eyeless wait upon his pleasure.