'Twas when the sea's tremendous roar
A little bark assailed;
And pallid fear, with awful power,
O'er each on board prevailed.
Save one, the captain's darling son,
Who fearless viewed the storm,
And playful, with composure smiled
At danger's threatening form.
"Why sporting thus," a seaman cried,
"Whilst dangers overwhelm?"
"Why yield to grief?" the boy replied,
"My father's at the helm."
—Anon.