Into the Waves Below Lyrics

The Helm, bereft of half its vital force,
Now scarce subdued the wild unbridled course;
Quick to th' abandoned wheel Arion came,
The Ship's tempestuous sallies to reclaim:
The Vessel, while the dread event draws nigh,
Seems more impatient o'er the waves to fly.
Fate spurs her on! Thus, issuing from afar,
Advances to the Sun some blazing Star,
And, as it feels Attraction's kindling force,
Springs onward with accelerated course.
The Moment fraught with Fate approaches fast!
While thronging Sailors climb each quivering mast;
The Ship no longer now must stem the Land,
And, 'hard a starboard!' is the last command.

While every suppliant voice to Heaven applies,
The Prow, swift wheeling, to the westward flies;
Twelve Sailors, on the Foremast who depend,
High on the platform of the Top ascend,
Fatal Retreat! for, while the plunging Prow
Immerges headlong into the waves below.