William Topaz McGonagall

“ Then all the passengers felt the terrible shock,
As the “Stella” stuck fast upon the first ledge of rock;
And they rushed to the deck in wild alarm,
While some of them cried: “Oh! God protect us from harm.”
Then men clasped wives and daughters, and friends shook hands,
And unmoved Captain Reeks upon the bridge stands;
And he shouted, “Get out the boats without delay!” ”

“ Again Captain Reeks cried in a manly clear voice,
“Let the women and children be our first choice!”
Then the boats were loaded in a speedy way,
And with brave seamen to navigate them that felt no dismay.
Then the “Stella” began rapidly for to settle down,
And Captain Reeks gave his last order without a frown,
Shouting, “Men, for yourselves, you’ll better look out!”
Which they did, needing no second bidding, without fear or doubt.
Then the male passengers rushed to the boats in wild despair,
While the cries of the women and children rent the air ”

“ And they were conveyed to Guernsey without delay,
Poor souls, with their hearts in a state of joy and dismay;
But alas! more than eighty persons have been lost in the briny deep,
But I hope their souls are now in heaven in safe keep. ”