Classic Poem

They, who, in ships , the seas vast depths descend,
And, o'er the wat'ry world , their passage bend;
They (more than all ) their G OD'S great works discern,
And midst th' unfathom'd deep his wonders learn.
There, from smooth calms , on sudden storms they rise,
Hang on the horrid surge , and skim the skies !
Now, high as heaven , they climb their dreadful way,
Now, sink in gulphy slants , and lose the day !
Giddy, they reel , to shoot the frightful steep ,
And their souls melt , amid the sounding sweep !
Helpless, they cling to what supports 'em, first,
And, o'er 'em feel the breaking billows burst .
Then, to their last almighty hope , they cry ,
Who hears , and marks 'em, with a pitying eye :
He bids the storm be hush'd — The Winds obey ;
And the aw'd W AVES , in silence, shrink away ,