We were driven, one from the other.
The mariners fell to praying.
A strange light was around us, as though the tempest
itself made a light. By it I marked the Admiral, upright
where he could best command the whole. He had lashed
himself there, for the ship tossed excessively. His great
figure stood; his white, blowing hair, in that strange light,
made for him a nimbus. It was strange, how the light seemed
to seize that and his brow and his gray-blue eyes. Below
the eyes his lips moved. He was shouting encouragement,
but only the intention could be heard. The intention was
heard. He looked what he was, something more than a bold
man and a brave sea captain, and there streamed from him
comfort. It touched his mariners; it came among them
like tongues of flame.
Darkness increased. We were now among lightnings like
javelins and loud thunder. Then fell the rain, in torrents,
in drops large as plums. It was as though another ocean
was descending upon us.
It lasted and we endured. After long while came lessening
in that weight of rain, and then cessation. Suddenly
the tempest was over. There shone a star -- three stars and
on topmast and bowsprit Saint Elmo's lights.
Our mariners shouted, "Safe--safe! Saint Elmo!"
Suddenly, over all the sky, were stars shining. The Admiral
raised his great voice.
Pages:
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283