The Figure-Head

by Herman Melville

　　

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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-sprayAnd chafing gear, and sun and dewVexed 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!

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