MARINE VIEWS. Ships in the calm seem anchor'd; for they glide Art thou not present, this calm scene before, And far as eye can reach, it can discern no more? As an awaken'd giant with a frown Might show his wrath, and then to sleep sink down. All where the eye delights, yet dreads, to roam, The breaking billows cast the flying foam Upon the billows rising all the deep Is restless change; the waves so swell'd and steep, As if contending in their watery chase; May watch the mightiest till the shoal they reach, Far off the Petrel in the troubled way And sports at ease on the tempestuous main. High o'er the restless deep, above the reach Of gunner's hope, vast flocks of Wild-ducks stretch; Far as the eye can glance on either side, In a broad space and level line they glide; All in their wedge-like figures from the north, In-shore their passage tribes of sea-gulls urge, Far back, then turn, and all their force apply, While to the storm they give their weak complaining cry; MARINE VIEWS. Or clap the sleek white pinion to the breast, Darkness begins to reign; the louder wind As if he fear'd companion in the chase; A seaman's body: there'll be more to-night!" Lights, signs of terror, gleaming from the stern. In various parties seamen hurry down; Their wives pursue, and damsels, urged by dread. Lest men so dear be into danger led; Their head the gown has hooded, and their call In this sad night is piercing like the squall; They feel their kinds of power, and when they meet, Chide, fondle, weep, dare, threaten, or entreat. See one poor girl, all terror and alarm, Has fondly seiz'd upon her lover's arm; "Thou shalt not venture;" and he answers "No! |