midnight
The thunder sent forth peal after peal , and the heaven was like `` a looming bastion fringed with fire . '' On through the slanting rain sped the ship , creaking and groaning , with its ribs warped and its great oaken spine trembling . The sailors on deck clung to the bulwarks ; and below not a soul could sleep , for the thunder and the creaking of cordage filled their ears . At midnight the storm abated ; but the sea still ran dangerously high , and the wind sobbed through the rigging mournfully . The heaven was spangled with tremulous stars , and at the horizon the clouds hung down in gossamer folds -- God 's robe trailing in the sea ! Toward morning the waves grew suddenly calm , as if they had again heard that voice which of old said , `` Peace , be still ! '' There was no one above decks , save the man at the wheel , who ever and anon muttered to himself , or hummed bits of poetry .