Genius claims and rules these instants, and the gods are on the side of those who boldly grasp loose wisdom and bind it into sheaves of judgment.
Cleggett (whom Homer would have loved) was the first to recover his poise.

He came to his decision instantaneously.

A lesser man might have lost all by rushing after his retreating enemies; a lesser man, carried away by excitement, would have pursued.

Cleggett did not relax his grasp upon the situation, he restrained his ardor.
"Stand firm, men! Do not leave the ship," he shouted.

"The day is ours!" And then, turning to Captain Abernethy, he cried: "We have routed them!" "Look at them crazy horses!" screamed the Captain in reply.
The animals were rearing and struggling among the ruins of the broken gangplank.