"But if, my Soothsayer, the wolf's cunning be a match for that of the lamb?
What then ?" "Then you may want your match, and your knife too," said I.
He shivered a little.
"My Hollander," said he, "if I fall, say to my lady 'twas for her; and I pray you give her the gem in my bonnet.

Say to her its brightness was dimmer than the remembrance of her eyes; and its price meaner than the dewdrop on her lip.

Bring her to see me where I lie; and compose my face to greet her.

Tell me, my Dutchman, doth a cannon ball give short shrift, or were it easier to die by the steel ?" "A peace to your nonsense," said I.

"You have more sonnets to write before we need think of laying you out." He was comforted at this, and we resumed our watch in silence.
The night grew very dark, and at every gust our masts stooped further before the wind.