Ah! whence is that flame which now bursts on his eye; Ah! what is that sound which now 'larms his ear? 'Tis the lightning's red glare, painting hell on the sky! 'Tis the crashing of thunder, the groan of the sphere! He springs from his hammock, he flies to the deck, Like mountains the billows tremendously swell, And the death-angel flaps his broad wings o'er the wave. O sailor-boy, woe to thy dream of delight! In darkness dissolves the gay frost-work of bliss, Where now is the picture that fancy touched bright,Thy parents' fond pressure, and home's honeyed bliss? O sailor-boy! sailor-boy! never again Shall home, love, or kindred thy wishes repay; Unblessed and unhonored, down deep in the main, Full many a fathom, thy frame shall decay. No tomb shall e'er plead to remembrance for thee, On a bed of green sea-flowers thy limbs shall be laid,- Days, months, years, and ages shall circle away, Our neighbors have a big sneaking cat, But is after each robin, phoebe, and wren One day Jet was wagging his tail in the door, For, down in the grass, with a bird in her claws, Was crouching that sneak of a cat ; And I tell you Jet bristled, for even a dog Would'nt do such a mean thing as that. He was just a black streak as he shot out that door, And, before that cat knew what to do, Jet had her and shook her as he shakes a rat, Yes, that's just like "Jet," he's a wonderful dog. Speak! Give me your paw, sir! See that? Yes sir, he's kind; But oh, he is death on a cat! XXI. CASABIANCA. THE boy stood on the burning deck, Whence all but him had fled; The flame that lit the battle's wreck Yet beautiful and bright he stood, A creature of heroic blood, A proud, though childlike form. The flames rolled on-he would not go The father, faint in death below, He called aloud-"Say, father, say, He knew not that the chieftain lay "Speak, father!" once again he cried, And-" But the booming shots replied And fast the flames rolled on. "I've fought beside thee in the field, "It is not just," a statesman cried, "This soldier's prayer to hear, My wisdom has done more for thee Than either sword or spear. "The victories of the council hall "My name is known in every land, Yet, while before the monarch's throne A woman crossed the floor who wore And slowly to King Alfred's feet "Helpless he comes to claim his own, Let no man do him wrong, For he is weak and fatherless, And thou art just and strong. "What strength of power," the statesmen cried, "Could such a judgment bring? Can such a feeble child as this Do aught for thee, O King? "When thou hast need of brawny arms To draw thy deadly bows, When thou art wanting crafty men To crush thy mortal foes.” With earnest voice the fair young boy Replied: "I cannot fight But I can pray to God, O King! And Heaven can give thee might!" |