noon
Both Englishmen and Frenchmen were resolved upon a race ; and we Yankees swore by our top-sails and royals to sink their blazing banners that night among the Southern constellations we should daily be extinguishing behind us in our run to the North . `` Ay , '' said Mad Jack , `` St. George 's banner shall be as the _ Southern Cross _ , out of sight , leagues down the horizon , while our gallant stars , my brave boys , shall burn all alone in the North , like the Great Bear at the Pole ! Come on , Rainbow and Cross ! '' But the wind was long languid and faint , not yet recovered from its night 's dissipation ashore , and noon advanced , with the Sugar-Loaf pinnacle in sight . Now it is not with ships as with horses ; for though , if a horse walk well and fast , it generally furnishes good token that he is not bad at a gallop , yet the ship that in a light breeze is outstripped , may sweep the stakes , so soon as a t ` gallant breeze enables her to strike into a canter . Thus fared it with us . First , the Englishman glided ahead , and bluffly passed on ; then the Frenchman politely bade us adieu , while the old Neversink lingered behind , railing at the effeminate breeze .