Ossian Collection > Selections from the Gaelic bards

20 MODERN GAELIC BABD&!.
But let no other weather- watcher
But himself be by,
Nor make confusioii; doubt, and tumult,
Through the whole crew fly.
A balesman is ordered out; in case the sea rush over her behind
and before. —
To bale her let this strong man rise.
Active and brave.
Who will not blanch, or yield, or tremble
For the shouting wave ;
Who will not quail, who will not soften
For cold sea or hail,
Though they lash and splash his neck and breast
On' the strong gale.
With a thick, round, wooden vessel
In his horny hand,
He '11 let not the inpouring water
One moment'stand ;
His trust he 11 rigidly discharge it.
Neither faint nor slack.
Nor straightening while a drop remaineth
His bending active back ;
Though her boards should all get riddled.
He must keep her snug.
As a well-made lid, close-fitting.
Keeps a polished jug.
Two are ordered to watch the ropes behind the canvas, should
there be any appearance that the sails will be swept from her with
the roughness of the tempest : —
Now let this pair of strong and raw-boned men.
Rough and hairy.
Be set to watch the ropes behind the sails,
Well and wisely.