But come in now, Humphrey, and take counsel." 'Twas a strange ship's company that met that evening in the dead captain's cabin.

The maiden, Ludar, I, and one of the English fellows, who had been sleeping below and knew naught of the fight till all was over.

As for the poet, Ludar still refused to have him down till our conference was over.
Of all our party the maiden was, I think, the most hopeful.

"God and His saints," said she, "have ordered this to try us, and see of what mettle we be.

Shall we despair, Sir Ludar, when He has proved His goodness to us?
The past is done, the future is all before us.