Such were the sounds that thrill'd the rocks along,
And unto ears as rugged scem'd a song!

In scattered groups upon the golden sand,
They game-carouse-converse-or whet the brand;
Select the arms-to each his blade assign,

And careless eye the blood that dims its shine:
Repair the boat, replace the helm or oar,
While others straggling muse along the shore;
For the wild bird the busy springes set,
Or spread beneath the sun the dripping net;
Gaze where some distant sail a speck supplies,
With all the thirsting eye of Enterprize;

Tell o'er the tales of many a night of toil,

And marvel where they next shall seize a spoil:
No matter where-their chief's allotment this;
Theirs, to believe no prey nor plan amiss.

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But who that CHIEF? his name on every shore

Is famed and fear'd-they ask and know no more.

With these he mingles not but to command;
Few are his words, but keen his eye and hand.
Ne'er seasons he with mirth their jovial mess,
But they forgive his silence for success.
Ne'er for his lip the purpling cup they fill,
That goblet passes him untasted still-

And for his fare-the rudest of his crew

Would that, in turn, have pass'd untasted too;

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Earth's coarsest bread, the garden's homeliest roots, And scarce the summer luxury of fruits,

His short repast in humbleness supply

With all a hermit's board would scarce deny.

But while he shuns the grosser joys of sense,

His mind seems nourish'd by that abstinence. "Steer to that shore!"-they sail. "Do this!". 'tis done:

"Now form and follow me!"-the spoil is won.

Thus prompt his accents and his actions still,

And all obey and few enquire his will;

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To such, brief answer and contemptuous eye

Convey reproof, nor further deign reply.

III.

"A sail!-a sail!"-a promised prize to Hope!
Her nation-flag-how speaks the telescope?

No prize, alas!-but yet a welcome sail :
The blood-red signal glitters in the gale.

Yes-she is ours-a home returning bark

Blow fair, thou breeze!-she anchors ere the dark. Already doubled is the cape—our bay

Receives that prow which proudly spurns the

How gloriously her gallant course she goes!

spray.

Her white wings flying-never from her foes

She walks the waters like a thing of life,

And seems to dare the elements to strife.

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Who would not brave the battle-fire-the wreck

To move the monarch of her peopled deck?

IV.

Hoarse o'er her side the rustling cable rings;

The sails are furl'd; and anchoring round she swings:
And gathering loiterers on the land discern
Her boat descending from the latticed stern.

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'Tis mann'd-the oars keep concert to the strand,
Till grates her keel upon the shallow sand.
Hail to the welcome shout!-the friendly speech!
When hand grasps hand uniting on the beach;
The smile, the question, and the quick reply,
And the heart's promise of festivity!

V.

The tidings spread, and gathering grows the crowd:

The hum of voices, and the laughter loud,

And woman's gentler anxious tone is heardFriends'-husbands'-lovers' names in each dear

word:

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"Oh! are they safe? we ask not of success

"But shall we see them? will their accents bless? "From where the battle roars-the billows chafe— "They doubtless boldly did—but who are safe? "Here let them haste to gladden and surprize, "And kiss the doubt from these delighted eyes!"

VI.

"Where is our chief? for him we bear report

"And doubt that joy-which hails our coming

short;

"Yet thus sincere-'tis cheering, though so brief;

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'But, Juan! instant guide us to our chief : 120 "Our greeting paid, we'll feast on our return, "And all shall hear what each may wish to learn." Ascending slowly by the rock-hewn way,

To where his watch-tower beetles o'er the bay,
By bushy brake, and wild flowers blossoming,
And freshness breathing from each silver spring,