The heart of the sleeper beats high in his breast, Ah! whence is that flame which now bursts on his eye? Ah! what is that sound which now larums his ear? 'Tis the lightning's red glare, painting hell on the sky! 'Tis the crashing of thunders, 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 wing o'er the wave. O sailor boy! wo 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 love's honied kiss? O sailor boy! sailor boy! never again Shall home, love, or kindred, thy wishes repay; Unblessed, and unhonoured, down deep in the main Full many a score fathom, thy frame shall decay. No tomb shall e'er plead to remembrance for thee, Or redeem form or fame from the merciless surge; But the white foam of waves shall thy winding-sheet be, And winds, in the midnight of winter, thy dirge! On a bed of green sea-flower thy limbs shall be laid; Days, months, years, and ages, shall circle away, LESSON CXLIII. Absalom.-WILLIS. THE waters slept. Night's silvery veil hung low The reeds bent down the stream: the willow leaves, The proud, bright being, who had burst away, The heart that cherished him-for him he poured, * Pron. curt-e-sy. RETURN TO the circulation desk of any NORTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY Richmond, CA 94804-4698 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS • 2-month loans may be renewed by calling (510) 642-6753 1-year loans may be recharged by bringing books to NRLF • Renewals and recharges may be made 4 days prior to due date. DUE AS STAMPED BELOW JAN 01 2001 12,000 (11/95) |