We are aware that the foregoing narrative may appear deficient in
novel and striking incidents, but we have introduced it for the sake
of exhibiting some of the best and noblest attributes of the
true-hearted sailor--courage, patience, and perfect obedience under
the most trying circumstances, and generous kindness towards an
unfortunate enemy. It is well to think of these things, and the more
we read of the details of naval life--its sufferings, dangers, and
trials, the more fully shall we be persuaded that _true_ courage is
ever generous and unselfish. In the words of the quaint old song--

Says the captain, says he, (I shall never forget it,)
'If of courage you'd know, lads, the true from the sham,
Tis a furious lion in battle, so let it,
But, duty appeased, 'tis in mercy a lamb.'

That my friend, Jack or Tom, I should rescue from danger,
Or lay down my life for each lad in the mess,
Is nothing at all,--'tis the poor wounded stranger,
And the poorer the more I shall succour distress:
In me let the foe feel the paw of the lion,
But, the battle once ended, the heart of a lamb.

FOOTNOTES:

[7] She proved to be an American, and she went to pieces during the
night.