Short was my life, and brilliant my career

Puzzle

Short was my life, and brilliant my career;
Behead me, I in lovely green appear;
Behead again, I once was made to save
My chosen inmates from a watery grave.

Hint

Answer

References

• Loyd, Sam [1914]. in Loyd, Sam, Jr.: Sam Loyd's Cyclopedia of 5000 Puzzles Tricks and Conundrums (in English). New York: Lamb Publishing company, page 12.