Overall structure of Keel, Ram, Stauros

In this section there is no change in scene, but there is a change in time, for we begin with a skipper of a ship in the Pool who is preparing to sail home to the Mediterranean, but this skipper is the one (the ‘old Pelasgian’) in Middle-sea and Lear-sea who came to British shores looking for tin. The section is a hymn in praise of wood, as exemplified in three main uses of timber: to make the keels of ships, to make instruments of (Roman) warfare, and to make the Cross of Christ.

pages 170-173 A skipper prepares his ship in the Pool to sail home. There are comments on those who are enriched by sea-trade at the expense of those sail the seas and face the dangers.
173-175 The mainmast of the ship is compared to the Cross, and the vessel and its voyage is likened to man’s journey through life. The strength of the vessel depends on the wooden keel upon which the ship is built, which is described in detail.
176-178 But wood is also used in the building of Roman siege engines used to attack cities. One such is described.
178-180 The Cross is referenced through the symbolic use of the crucifix in churches, a church being seen as a ship (the nave/navis relationship), and the section ends with reference to the veneration of the Cross on Good Friday. 
181-182 Finally the skipper as a symbol of Christ is made explicit, and the theme of ‘berthing to schedule’ reiterated.