32

ON A BOOK OF SEA-MOSSES.

From narrow cells, scooped in the rocks, we take
These fairy textures, lightly moored at morn.
Down sunny slopes, outstretching to the deep,
We roam at noon, and gather shapes like these.
Note now the painted webs from verdurous isles,
Festooned and spangled in sea-caves, and say

What hues of land can rival tints like those,
Torn from the scarfs and gonfalons of kings

Who dwell beneath the waters.

Such our Gift,

Culled from a margin of the western world,

And offered unto Genius in the old.

BALLAD OF THE TEMPEST.

We were crowded in the cabin,
Not a soul would dare to sleep, -

It was midnight on the waters,

And a storm was on the deep.

'Tis a fearful thing in winter

To be shattered in the blast,
And to hear the rattling trumpet
Thunder, "Cut away the mast!"

So we shuddered there in silence,
For the stoutest held his breath,
While the hungry sea was roaring,

And the breakers talked with Death.

34

BALLAD OF THE TEMPEST.

As thus we sat in darkness,

Each one busy in his prayers, "We are lost!" the captain shouted, As he staggered down the stairs.

But his little daughter whispered,
As she took his icy hand,

"Is n't God upon the ocean,

Just the same as on the land?"

Then we kissed the little maiden,

And we spoke in better cheer,

And we anchored safe in harbor

When the morn was shining clear.

SACO FALLS.

RUSH on, bold stream! thou sendest up Brave notes to all the woods around, When morning beams are gathering fast, And hushed is every human sound;

I stand beneath the sombre hill,

The stars are dim o'er fount and rill,
And still I hear thy waters play,

In welcome music, far away.

Dash on, bold stream! I love the roar
Thou sendest up from rock and shore.

'Tis night in heaven, the rustling leaves Are whispering of the coming storm, And thundering down the river's bed

I see thy lengthened, darkling form ;

こ

No voices from the vales are heard,

The winds are low, each little bird
Hath sought its quiet, rocking nest,
Folded its wing, and gone to rest,-
And still I hear thy waters play,
In welcome music, far away.

The earth hath many a gallant show
Of towering peak and glacier bright,
But ne'er beneath the glorious moon

Hath nature framed a lovelier sight
Than thy fair tide, with diamonds fraught,
When every drop with light is caught,

And o'er the bridge the village girls

Reflect below their waving curls,

While merrily thy waters play,

In welcome music, far away!