exempted from all participation in the faults of those heroes, who, nevertheless, might be found with little more morality than «< The Giaour, and perhaps but no I must admit Childe Harold to be a very repulsive personage; and, as to his identity, those who like it must give him whatever « alias » they please. If, however, it were worth while to remove the impression, it might be of some service to me, that the man who is alike the delight of his readers and his friends, the poet of all circles, and the idol of his own, permits me here and elsewhere to subscribe myself, most truly, and affectionately, his obedient servant, January 2, 1814. BYRON. A TALE. CANTO I. nessun maggior dolore, << Che ricordarsi del tempo felice << Nella miseria, DANTE. 1. O'ER the glad waters of the dark blue sea, "Our thougts as boundless, and our souls as free, << Far as the breeze can bear, the billows foam, « Survey our empire and behold our home!. « These are our realms, no limits to their sway"Our flag the sceptre all who meet obey. « Ours the wild life in tumult still to range « From toil to rest, and joy in every change. ་་ Oh, who can tell? not thou, luxurious slave! << Whose soul would sicken o'er the heaving wave; «Not thou, vain lord of wantonness and ease! « Whom slumber soothes not-pleasure cannot pleaseOh, who can tell, save he whose heart hath tried, « And danced in triumph o'er the waters wide, « The exulting sense-the pulse's maddening play, « Feel-to the rising bosom's inmost core, Cling to his couch, and sicken years away; « Heave his thick breath; and shake his palsied head; « Ours-the fresh turf, and not the feverish bed. « While gasp by gasp he faulters forth his soul, « Ours with one pang—one bound—escapes contr oul. « His corse may boast its urn and narrow cave, « And they who loathed his life may gild his grave: « Ours are the tears, though few, sincerely shed, « When Ocean shrouds and sepulchres our dead. « For us, even banquets fond regret supply « In the red cup that crowns our memory ; « And the brief epitaph in danger's day, • When those who win at length divide the prey, « And cry, Remembrance saddening o'er each brow, « How had the brave who fell exulted now! » II. Such were the notes that from the Pirate's isle, For the wild bird the busy springes set, Would that, in turn, have passed untasted too; « 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; 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 : Receives that prow which proudly spurns the spray. And seems to dare the elements to strife. IV. Hoarse o'er her side the rustling cable rings; V. The tidings spread, and gathering grows the crowd: « Oh! are they safe? we ask not of success « But shall we see them? will their accents bless? << They doubtless boldly did-but who are safe? ་་ |