PROA

They parted with this added aid afar the Proa darted like a shooting star, and gain'd on the pursuers, who now steer'd right on the rock which she and Torqil near'd. They pull'd; her arm, though delicate, free and firm as ever grappled with the sea, and yielded scarce to Torquil's manlier strength. The prow now almost lay within its length of the crag's steep, inexorable face, with nought but soundless waters for its base;

Lord Byron, "The Island", 1828