^ ^.s^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A ^ .^\ 1.0 1.1 2.2 lys i 1.4 2.0 m 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STRfET WnSTH.N.Y. MSM (716) •72-4503 ^V tP \\ # >^:^" ^ lliW I I 'One hand to ear, to catch alarm, Showed jewelled wrist and rounded arm," ONNALINDA, PAGE 2. ^1 lXSEsH I "^fiy*; .«l i> I W' >' » »W i 'T *«»SI^W, ONNA LINDA A BOMANCK BY J. 11. M(NAU(HIT()N If I (oiilil Willi' Ihr iH'iiiity nf j-oiir i'.V"«, Ami 111 ficxh iiiiiiilii'i'H iiiiiiilii'i Al.l. .viiiir jrrarcH, Till' anv til 1(11111' wimlil Hiiy, IliU iiint Hi'h — Such licnvciily toiiilifH iiu'cr tomlii'il i-aitlily fiu'i's SMAKSl'KAIlK 7 ^lluBtratrH LONDON' Kkoan 1'aii.. Ti!i:X(h iV Co., I Patki!Xosti:i: Si^. NLW VOKK Onnammia I'riii.isiiiNii f'o.. 'J" TxioN Sif. Entoml, nrrnnlliiK |„ Art of CmKir^H, |„ tl,.. y,,„. JSHJ. ,,,. •'. I'. I'lTNAM'H H(iN«, '" " '"'" "' "'•• 1-H'i»ilai. of (■«„«„.»», „t WaHlUiiKto,,. CopyrlKhl, 1«80, l.y J. ir. McN'AldllTciN. (lllKlilH of traiiHlmioii ai„l of ivimMliutlon iir.. r.H.rve.l.) rillNTKI. IIV KUANK WOOD, IIOSTON. ■ 'j^'^vmrm.K^ifig^rvTi^msii, ^.^irm'f^r>fiif^:'^^ P^mt?^,- Ifistorif is vaffuo ami Joiicmlnr'; ronrmi'ntff the arliirrrincufs «/'(>n\alini)A, fhr Irof/nois piiii- rrss, irhosr hnlUani adroitness haj/fnl flir FrfiirJi f/riicrnl Dnionrillr in his invasion of litr faflin\'i domains ; and whose faseinatinfi heaKfji dteir to her side, from the ranks of her enemies, the ehira/roiis Cajdain Star/,: The lores and adventures of the ffallant eajdain and the eharminr/ Onnalinda, toi/ether with the storif of Ronald Kent and ^'■(iUntinn Star,'" are in the province of Komanoe, and the theme of this talc. I WILLIAM T.SMEDLEY Printed by Frank Wood, Boston. f r'iffwwiimm"^T^'msmx LIST OF TLLUSTKATIONS. In nil; r<>iii;sr: Ai.oni:. l'"i'oiilis|iicc(' "Oil.. Ii.'iimI III car to iiiidi aliinn ShoMfil jcHflcl \Mi,i anil niiiiiilnl arm. IliiMinii i; lo I'AiiT I. "A Iniilly ca-llc, Iiioail ami Iil>;li, Was liiiiiic 111' luT nalivilv." I'il'r,. 1 A SlDDKN iMlilSION. - - . . "'I'lirv liallcil liy my I'ovcrt iirar .... My liuail xriiu'il (liriilililiij; in my car." Tin; TiMo: To Tin; I!i:m>i;/.voi s. - " Hy licr slilc llic cliicftain dark, And on licr rljilil, |iiiiii,l Kl.cn Stark." ;ii r.t Tin: Ml i{MN(i .^iiip 'A wreck: A H icik! — SiKircincii aliiiy slic's plim-iiij; r„r ilio land I" .M(»oM.i(;iii' l\ii;ii\ li;w, "licr while anil roiuid a mimnlit lici (.lisiciicl Willi jeweled lirllliaiii'v." Tin: lMi'A.>iMoM;i> lli;i!oi\i:. " Kla-licd her lilaek eye^ wiili lire nf >c.irn, And warriiiis ijiiailcd with lnok lurhirn." S2 km; ^. i-*Mm* IIi:a1)1'ii:y the charms of the Princess, abandoned the Marquis, Ronald Kent, the marksman ofmarrellous aim, and comrade of Captain Stark— in lore with Vlintimj Star. Glinting Star, damjhtcr of an Ahjonquin chief. OoNAK, the silent — the Judas of the red race. Denonville's Courier, a jumctilious Frenchman. OssEOLo, an unhappy lover of OnnaUhda. Donald, a facetious Scot. Scene: mainly in the valley of the Genesee during its invasion by the French, !«>«:; fO*W«»«-«5«li ONNALINDA Part il Sln' by (Icscciit fi..Tn rnval lineage came Of aiiciriit kiiiKH and niu'i'iis, that Ijail of yore Their Hcciitrus sticti h.il fidiii cast to wr.st.'iii .slinri-. rAEIilU ULliKNE, Book I. : «»«<<»■■ raw* o:r:nalinda. Part il I In llic Forest. Alone. 4 LONE sho stood, ,1 maiden sweot, -O.. "Within the woodUiiid's dooixMiing sliade; One hoani of sun.s(>t tlirougli the f,dade frliraniered in gold about ]i(>r feet. Musing, sh<> lingered in covi'rt there, Far from the clamour of camp's alarms; Above her a beech flung out his anns As if to shield a fonn so fair. OXXA I.IXDA. Ncai' lu'i' a lirook in jocund ^nh'o Leapt cliattcring down to the Ocuesoo. 1 M II A winsoino pi-l of iiativc fi^raco And inouldod form the comoliost; Siuirco t\vo-aiid-t\V('iity Junes liad kiss'd Witli breath of rose her eharniinj; face— Brunett<', Avitli <'riin.son tinged and bU'nt, As if 'neath Saxon face there glowed The warm nuiroon of Indian blood, And stirred a doubt of her descent — A doubt that still intenser grew Witli her rich garl) of Tyrian hue. Her ([ueenly grace and soft attire Bespoke a line from nolAe sire. Around her bodice trindy laced Fell glossy falls of her raven hair, Half veiling, half r(>vealing there The zone that clasped her lissome Avaist. 1 1 ■f One hand to ear, to catch alarm, ShoAved jewelled wrist and i-ounded arm. 7A' Tin: FOIUIST. In purplo folds licr kirtk' fell— The riiiii.lin«i: licni just kissed licr fwt, In shooii of cliuiiiois fitted neat As f,d<)ve iind palm of conrtlv Itelle: Jiencatli her instep, pvond and lii<,di, A flower would bloom, u Wv would fly. Tlu> charms of youth and l)eauty met In OxNALiNiu— sweet l)runette! m III Jn a lonely nook why linj^^ered she? Tho' on the j;i-()un(l her eyes weiv l)ent A ,i,']an('t' afar she frecpient s(ait As if in pleased expectancy. Deep in her dark eyes' lustrous glance Glistened the star of bright Konumce. She listened. . . , Silent all the wood Save plaintive owl, in distant glade. Whose croon, thro' echoing foivst, jiiade .Afore solemn still the solitude. L OiVAM l.lXliA. Then to horself tlio inaiden spoke — Still Kuzing i^'iisivc on tlie ground Ah if ptTplcxcd with thouglits profound — And niuniiurini?, thus the silence; broko: ''Last nij,'ht — what did he mean to say? My luind in his he trenudous jn-est; I lieard a throl)l)ing within his breast : 'Good-})ye,' ho faltered, and tui'ned away, — But in his voice and in his eye Was something more than that ' Good-bye.' " The wliite moon shone on his earnest face As lie held my liand, and silent stood. Do men woo tlius in a dolesome mood ? Then a soleum owl may woo with grace ! This man — can lie lie my father's foe And lover of mine? To-night I'll know I " To-night when the moon shines full in his face I'll there read clear each thought of his heart; He shall not know^, as I stand apart. How keen my glance each lin(* shall trace. Ah, well, my heart! do I love this man- So soon? Perchance I do — or can." ■4, 1 % If /A' TiiK nun: ST. 5 Slic piuisod. AhmiikI slic pizt'd, and then, Miisiiis;, slic s|M»k<' to herself aj,'iiiii: "^V^u^t if my eliieftiiin-siro should know- Should know I i»iirley with foe of his! Well, what if 1 foil his enemies With weapon keeiiej- than blade or l»ow ? Perchance this Saxon loves me well. . , Sink low, O sun !_to-ni,i,dit will tell." Once more she i»aused, and to and fro In revery moved, reiteatin^ low: " Perchance this Saxon loves me well, . . . Sink low, sun !— To-NumT will tell." The sun Itehind the in^^ across the forest shade. 6 o.VA.I LI S li.\. (^iiickrr licr iH'iirt heat at t'a<'li soiiiid — Silcnct! and darkness pitlit'i-iiii? round. Sudd<'ii she tunicd, A rnstliiiK tread She heard upproach thro' tlie (hirkliiif? wood Khislied to the car, ah'rt she st 1, 'Twixt hope and fear dis(|uieted. Soon tliro' tlie woodbind tripping' h^dit (-nine footsteps she was wont to hear; No form slie saw, l»nt to lier ear Tliat sound was jtalpalde as sij,'lit : If wonuni lu'ar, wliat need to see? Quo step she knows intuitively! ":.f % A manly form with ca}* of hluo Approached. His epaulettcd coat, Brijjht-lmt toned trimly to his throat. Of rank and fame was symhol true. But more his eye and beai-iui; told Than any sign symbolic could; (Escutcheons mark the nol>le ))lood, But mien and port the nohlc-souled ;) TIIK COLLOQIY. Needing' no l)a(l^'c nor jri|,i,.,| i„a,'('— Cliiviilric honour in his t'aci'. O'ci- loj; nnd linih lie supi.I(> siM-in^s With form erect; his visiij^e hri^Hit AV'ith a/ure eyes; liis heard of ni;,'ht Al.ov(. his lijis like raven win^s. Heroic cahnness in his face Showed valour 'ueath u gentle gi-ace. VT TH E COLLOQUY, "Brief 1.0 our words to-night,"— ho said, As her warm hand iji his ho drew; His woi-ds, foirhodiug, „',.,. i,(.,. tliivw Shadows of some impending dread •_ "Hut start not, Onnalinda sweet! Though swift r , (.me, on hurryhig f(.,.t, Thnmgh rustling l.i-ake uud fcuvst dun With greetings in an anxi(.us tone,— No harm l.etidos thee, gentle one. And yet, if i-umour tricks me not, Alei-t with sti-atagem and j.lot Tho midiiiglit liour shall be. My wary scout from yonder hill Saw hu.i'ied wiguals that reveal Souu! tumult rife that bodes of ill — Home pending strategy : Thy chief tain-sire, brave Kawanute, And warriors of moccas'ined foot Are gathering swift from hunt and chase At Kounded Cove, the mustering place." "Such signals" — Omialinda said — "May oftentimes foreshadow ill. But oft, to try their speed and skill, 'Mong warriors false alarms are spread. As fawn is bred to fiee from harm When stamps the doe a false alarm — Thus wary is the wari-ior lired. INIy clan the Saxon's art would meet With weasel's eye and fox's feet! Percluince— alas!— there's pei-il near; Perchance 't is death to linger here!" HE. No fear the Saxon wai-riors know Of lurking spy or open foe. 5m .V^hrrft^lr; Till-: coLL()(jr y. q Ouo four ulonc tlic bi-jivcst i'ov\ KeiMior than lanco of hritstliug st(M>l: 'Xcatli one briglit glfincc of Beauty's eye Tlit liis heart oppressed, Lik(» one who sees, low in the west, Dark clouds that threaten the sunny skies. "I know not."— In her words a doubt— A dim surmise and mystery — Tliat roused the pliantom Jealousy, A shadow Love is never witliout. And as sh(» spoke, a glance she sent ()bli(iue across the forest glade, And turned an car as if intent On distant sound from ambuscade. Heard she a signal?— was it nu'ant For friend, or foe— for miui, or maid? No heed gave he; another theme In hcnrt and brain now i-cigncd supi'em<'. TIIK COLLOQUY, ToucJkhI (Icop vvitli ii mystorious stw^ At Oiumlindii's words of doubt, He sti-ovc adroit to draw lior out — JVi^'uiiif? a careless quostioniiij,^: "Perchance this wari-ior's silent ton^me Tattled and prattl(>d gay, when noioin r^ <)N.VAI,r\I).\. Who talks the least J call liini wise — Words an' l,ut dust thrown in the eyes. IIK. Then far the wisest you would call A sphinx who will not talk at all, Or talks in tropes wpii vocal. 11 u rr\ ONNALINDA. ^o, yes, and no. I've hoard him say: Th.' wise man mingles yea and nav— At once both nods and shakes his head "- «o . . . so the silent warrior said. HE. Such wisdom comes with veteran age,- Is lie your ti-ihal seer and sage t •(Il 12 ON X A LINDA. ONNALINDA. Age but a test or proof supplies — The fools (jroiv foolish; the wise more wise. VIII Al)Out the pretty Imsh lie beat, But stirred no quai'ry in his quest; The bird, to lure the hunter's feet, Ranged, fluttering, round her hidden nest. Ho Onnalinda, bright and shrewd, "Would Eben's anxious (juest elude: She answers wise-obsciu'e, and thus lie gi'opes in phrase ambiguous. He feared to ask her, frank and fair. Of him wlio stirrt'd his jealousy — Ashamed to ask: "A lover, he?"— He hunted here, he angled there. With fishei-'s hook but ill-concealed — The point was through the bait revealed! Undaunted still he (piestioned her With ill-disguised anxiety; THE VOLLOQUy. And still as archly answered she Whh (lowery trope and fallacy— The shrewd, the charming soi)hister! 13 HK. Young Indian wan-ioi-, we are told, flakes hasty wooing, brief and bold. (INNAI.INDA. NiTnl)l(> his pace in love or chase, And both his eyes are in his face;* I 'ni lold a pale-face in canoe Will one way look, another go- Will eastward face, and westward row! in;. r .'^»"<' . . . yon think when Saxons woo They feign oix' tiling, and another do 1 •INWI.INDA. Has he two tongues / So said uiy mother; He woos one maid anw-s .arolh.d swcvt, And heather blossomed 'neath her feet. At (luiet eve she oft would tell Of scenes enehantini-- and would dwll With trembling' lij,, and t(>nderly, On home beloved, beyond the sea ; Of twilioht poreh, with ivy i,ent ; ' Of castle wall and battlement; Of careh antiijue and tu?-?vt hi.iih, And gilded spires that lane«>d the sky; Of ten.Ier lawn in bri-ht dem.^sne Soft as the velvet shoon of .pu-eu ; Of gateway whence of old tJiere went KnigJits to the joust and tou.-na.nent. •^ . . You wonder? Sir, T pardon v<.u- The tale /.v strange. UK. T 'd swear 't is ti-ue,— I IG OAA.I L1M)A. A niytli for truth 1 would jidniif Wlu'U lips M) sA\ec't have iittori'd it ! Brifjflit as tlio talc of chivalry! To-uight I '11 drcnni of all things fair: Of looming castles in tlu^ air, Of lords and ladies of hi<;h dcji,rcc, Of stately halls and jiildcd rooms Sweet-scented with the heather-bloonis,- A charming talc : a fantasy ] ONNAIJNDA, Is it so strange a woodland girl Should claim a grandsire in an earl ? HE. I know a woodland nynijih so sweet An earl would meekly kiss her feet ! Worthy to grace a royal reign With forty eai'ls to bear her train ! i i^ ONN.VIJNDA. A Suxon maid ? II K. I cainiot say Whether a Saxon, (Jaul, or (hiel; She is not dark, she is not i)ale, Soft twilij-lit— lu.itl,,.,- night nor (lay- Tinned witii tlic blu.sli of evening sky, Vermeil and },(>ai-| in rivalry; As if 'neuth Saxon's cheek there glowed The wurm maroon of Indian ])Iood. [He paused. Slie smiled at liis devaee. Then added he from " Pauadise " :] "H,.r cheek's soft tin<-tm-e, even the brain Shall trace so fine a tint in vain." ONXAr,IXI)A. Truly, a lovely gji-i js .^lu. \ My mother oft was wont to tell Of one like her you j)aint so well. Beloved by bard of Italy. -But listen . . . Hark! -do you not hear Sounds of alarm, of peril near ? 17 HK. I heed it not, (some wandei-ing breeze Wailing its soitow to the trees,) I hear, I see but mysteri(»s : Shuttled, as warp with woof, T see Simj)licity with complexitv' 3 I: I IH ()X.\ A I.IXJ)A. Your life's cnij^ina, or 1 err, Needs 1111 expert interpreter. These solitudes have ne'er Itet'oi'o Listt'UL'd to iiuHliiuvul lore. ONNALINDA. You err. Sweet was its echoing With songs my niotlier used to sing. She sang Tonpiatct's tender lay Of liiin who at the stake had died To eliallenge Death, and win his bride — The matchless maid Sofroiiia. She told m«^ tales of ({reeee and R<»ine; She sung of Cloth and Norman king; But most slie loved — ah! loved to sing Sweet (raelie songs of highland home! And in that castle, high and broad, One little room, a })right abode, — Books, music, pictures — i-adiant room! — Sweet with the scent of heatlu'r-bloom. IX Deeper and (hu'ker liis suspense, Shrouded in mist and 'dotibt intense 1!) As veil thnt falls iM- Hcimty's oyos ^^ Hn«l,t(..,s tln-ir ,.|,un„s, tho' half ..oucoal..,!, Tin. wvh .sho wove of words and si^dis Vhimmnl liin, with tlmu^dits but half rovoalcd. A iiiystt'i-y hid in jiiystcrios: Why i-oani(Ml this i.yniph in solitial,., Hid in the ^r|o„,n „f ,K,thl(>ss w„od / Liko jewel in uiifathonied s(«as! Still ud iimiiorial liabitiidc / Annitvial si«;iis will not ;j;ainsay — Of titlo tli(^ tincrriii;; v:iii stood he — Like hatlled ji,'eiieral in asi-ault When t'ortress-nioat compels u halt To compass the emei'j;'ency — When — hark! — up(»n his watchful ear A sound from far. Not loud halloo, But sueh as wary huntei's blow 'Twixt tlnunbs — a whistle low, but clear; A sound the wanderer to direct, Or sijnial to b(> circiunspect — A vijj;ilant tone, as if 't were Itlown Subdued, for watchful ear alone. • I >7'.'.V.I/„ 21 Ami hark! n^'jiiii — that soiiimI ivii<'\v<'<|, i^oiidrr, iiimI <'..li(,iiiir llin.' (li,. wood. XI Dciir oii(«! I .r(»." I , — iH' aiixioiiH .said. — Oil wiiiys how llcrt I IflS CVCllillir (I,., I J OlK'O MIOIV I „sk thill ]>\i>i\u;r so d <'(ir To. IIIOITOW «'V»' to lin'ct iiic hen If stars he l.ri-;ht — if woods ).<. sti If sifTiiaJs no jiliinii rcvenl — If noiijrlit doth \vjik«' tlio J.-al To-morrow iTiLdit n"'> Jt'aloiis eye, was her I'cply, IIci- liaiid ui»oii his litMri h,. pressed II '•'iKhM'ly, sayiii-': "() sweet ^'ood-iiij,dit !' <'y parted. Dim the stars' j.ale IJulit. Th is lieart heat with a sti aii^-e uiii'est. Mm imiriii;;': "Can siK-h bUss I )e lliliie Or is slie liidd »'!! ill (hirk desi.ni As throuf^di th,> darkliiijj: w I he went, Tlie phantom Doubt daiK-ed in his way With twit and taunt it seemed t "With a gobUn's im)ekii o sav ig merriment; III 22 OXXALIXDA. "If stars he ]mu Stark!" Aud \'isions rose before him then 111 dark ravine and gruesome lair; Fantastic voices from the gleu Shrilled ominous : " Beware ! Beware ! — To-morroAV night a shadow dark Shall cross tht glade, O Ebeu Stark!" XII Through shadowy paths of Avoodland dim Eegi-etful El)eu went his way; As jt)cund elves in prank and jday, S<; frolicked Love and Doubt with him! But thrice ere this had Ebeii met Sweet Onnaliuda at the tryst, — Did love thriv<> slow f He had l)ut The rosy points of lier fingers yet. .1 SilGXAL. 0'> I Daiv ]i(. not look up h p from licr fiuf,n'r-tips To til., opuk.nt <.urv(3 of her crimson lips: Thrice met; and lovelier than before Sparkled her eyes of ^disteninj,^ dew: Thrice met; and more enchantinj? gvQw A form Apelles might adore. And Eben's heart l)eat wild and fast, ThriU.Ml with the touch of Ikt fin-er-tips That tingled still on his quivering lij.s As thro' the crackling wood he passed. And vexed was he at a signal sent Thwarting his passional., heart's attent. (Thrice had they m.-t-the Mils,- hatli told- But how they met at lirst l)y chaiic.., ^ A i»relunc.. came Eben, why, and when, Will serve the tale and lOben then.) 124 ()^^ALJ^JJA. There Ouualiiulti linji;('rt'(l yet Within tlie .starlit nook alone; Ah! yieldinjjj heart — and "will it own One tender siji,h for the man she met? . . "() jK'acet'ul nijj;ht ! — so calm," — she said — " Why is my heart dis(iuieted ? () happy bird with folded Avinjj;, Would that thy peaee wore mine!" — sliesij;:hed. In (ina\'erin«jj tones she, falterinj;', triele ! I' 26 ON N A UN DA. XIV A LURKING FORM. She neared lier Iioiik; tliro' windiiii? Avays. Fur into niglit tlie liours ]md fled. Tli(? cauip-fli-cs smouldeml murky red, Save one tliat darted tongues ablaze— Tinjjeing tlie gk-n with balefxd light, And reddening far the shades of night. With fagots fresh what sleepless one Had roused to flame that quiekened fire' Was one awake with jealous ire— With keen susjiicion restive grown f Was there a lurking foi-ni that stood Baek in the (hu-kness of the wood? Slumbered h,.r sire. Xo thought he gave Mistrustful of th(> absent on(>: He knew h.-r wont to waii from jungle cried. "Halloo!-' (iiiiek EImmi Stai-k replied. (We fo,, ., ;..;-, ,i's .supp].' f<.et Alert hi.- s( u ,;, , , all to iiteet.) It .'.ounds it.rrMii tliiv i.-r-s^ darV, The sentry's ,u,i — ,rr.. , .-, i)diied, And lo\ver yet a.s tnro' the wood Nearer it eaiue to Ebon Stark. " Halloo ?"_ "Halloo!" eame tlie reply. EBK\. Well, Ronald, what 's the stii- and wl i.v KOXAT.I). A courier from the Freiielmian canie KBKN". A seout from DenouviHe? l!()\AI,l> Th c same. A COUIilEJi, He's at our camp — lie waits f or you. 29 KBKN', CcMifouiul liis dastard "pai-loz vous"! I'm doiK^ with war. I'm dou,, with raid. I'm doiH' with siieakiiij,^ ambuscade— I'm now for — HOXAT.n. Pretty Indian maid? KREX. AVhislit ! Ronald,— you 're a canny 8cot, But H-i,/ds man ^>f'W that irhisHe not ! Ronald, a Scot-youn- lith(>, and hrave. With honour's face and ea>,de's eye; Ready at quip's hilarity, But timely resolute, and grave. Of cultur(>d 1 His L )rain, yet often he ore Avould clotlie in 1 Hiding tl mnioui- brnsdU" Scor nin yz the gram within the husk— g a show of i)edantry. 30 ONNALINDA. m Ho and tlio captain, with a score Of knights as cliivah-ous as tlioy, Had listless joined the base foray — Ignobl(> deed they now deplore. Ignoble ? — Diabolic, base: (Slaying for what? A tinge of face I At morn they view a blooming vale Smiling before the hordes of France; At eve a scoAviing, dark expanse — A blackened land of woe and wail: War's whirlwind, red with sword and fire. Had left but ashes in its path, — Hamlets and homes in fiery scf.th Swept flaming into ruin dire. (A power more potent still than these Drew them aloof from wreck and raid: On Eben's heart a wild crusade Was waged by Love's perplexities ! — Ah! Love and Doubt — in mingled feud, Like chafing boughs in stormy wood.) Forth went the twain. Thro' forest dark Camp ward they groped their tangled way; A CO U HI EM. In wise debate, or jesting gay, Went Eonald Kent and Captain Stark. Tlio' Eonald oft would ehaflf and jest, A look demure would oft suggest A thorn within his manly breast: His tenderness it was liis wont To hide with sayings l)old or blunt; Tho' sad of heart, yet often he Disguised his grief in repartee. (Tins thorn that Ronald would conceal The tale shall by and by reveal.) KBKN, What message from the French? 31 RONALD. To tramp, So I suspect. But at the cainp You '11 read it soon. H, Xever profaned with raid or feud. 34 OA A',lV-/.\ y>.(. Tlicy halt: To Ebt'u s('«'nit'!• bn'uth of .June, or sonj,' of hii-d, (Of Onnalinda <'ml»lenis true!) With raptui'e all his pulses stiired. " Love-liaunted nook!" — hroke Khen thus — " Th(^ dreamy j^rot of Tityrus! There 's but one nook on earth like this — Bright as the eyi^ of Jioveliness!" And Konald, smiling, shrewdly guessed Where lay that covei't bright and bh'st; And humoring Ebon's s<'ntiment, Thus arehly s2»oke as forth they went: "('aptain! a lovelier nook 1 know: One day we ehased a woariod doe, And thro' that nook with ja, spondees whine, And stride? a butt of Malmsey wine — From loon to laureate! Oh, the bliss Of such a metamorphosis ! — . . . But see! a lijjfht — the camp is near. EBEK. Cease, then, your jest — no triflinji; here. The crafty Frenchman we must meet With ci'aft as sulitle and discreet, — Whate'er his scheuK* or message, we ]\[ust compass it with strategy, And sliow this scout from 1) 'Uonville Th:it tliere 's a wheel within a wheel! . . . ITaste, Ronald, haste before, and say The captain comes — is on his way; Feign breathless haste, with nostril spread, As if 't was all for France you sped — Deceit is never a sin in war — Treat courier as ambassadcn*. Go ! ft'ign submissive fealty. And, hark ! send Donald out to me. >SHO\V HIM THE Ll.NES! 37 XVII SHOW HIM THE LIN ES! Forth Ronald Imrried to the tent; Rushed in as if from jadod bout; Madt' liis devoir; sent Donald out; Then told of risks he underwent: "The Avoods are rife with skulking foes — Dark forms with tomahawks and bows ; Their arrows whizzed, and hatchets spun As swift as I the gauntlet run ! Thro' forest wild with whoop and howl Gaunt wolf and dusky savage prowl ; Ambush and snare lurk in the way,— But ('ted tlirougli centuries Of bowing l»y his polislied race. With jewelled IuukI, and dainty wrist, His sleek niustaclK' he'd twirl and twist: So exquisite Ids gay cravat, His envious chin was wroth with that, And rosi> in air with liigh regard And i>ride of the cainelopard ! Thus lordly he — of lofty port — As envoy from barl)aric court. "Ho — bien!" (>xchumed the Fr<'nchman. He Through fog of Ronald's words could see "Glory" and "France." The rest was dim — Just vague enougli to hany liiin ; Tho' leal and true he deemcMl these men, He feared his pathway home again ! For Ronald's feint of terror showed Perils al>road the night forebode, — As spectres in the twilight dim Seem swelling huge, and ghostly grim. SHOW HIM THE LIXj,s! ;}}) So, words tlie Frenchman knew not well Swelled i)liauto7n-!ike niore terrible! Tlu)' vexed with words of shadowy sens(> He fei«?ned a cool indifferenci* ; But thi-oui-h his <;uise they well could see The courier's vexed anxi<'ty. He feigned a yawn with elhows spi-ead And fingers dovetailed o'er his head, Tlien twirled mustache into a cue. Then on his sword-hilt thrummed tattoo; He turned, he glanced, he glowered, he — Hark ! In Donald comes with Captain Stark. "Le capitaine?" inciuired the (laul With smile and coui-tesv finical. But Eben knew his part to play, And posed with grace as recherche; To meet the coui-ier as a kuight Was both politic and {.oliti- ; So El)en to this sou of France Bowed with the courtliest complaisancts For Fiben's manly form and face Were equalled only by his grace. 40 ONNA LIS J) A. Th.' courior, l<.„kinj? Un^U .„,a ^,,,^,,, His niossagc now to Ebon gave. Calm Eb(M.'.s look di.l not betray Tlu' wTath within. Tho order read — (Blotted and dashed and boldly spread): U '/' To Captain S'tark: Make no delaif— Quick Join the ranks.- nifh horse and foot For, card we march on Kawanute. lic^ste! Vke le JloU-Done with Ms seal Halt at i/oi(r peril ! Denonville.'" His l)lood leapt reddening, to resent Command so eurt and insolent; But, prudent, Ebeu held in ehe'ek A wrath that tinged both face and neck, And quick he seized his rc-ady quill — Wielding a pen or sword with skill— Suppressed his ire within his throat. And bold, with heavy hand he wrote I .snow HIM TllK 1.1 SKs: Like flounshed sci-ipt of skater's heel, And tVurlcss : " '/>> Minis. Beuonr'iJh' .- VoKf f/irrafs arr hut as hhtsfrri)/,/ in,ui. I irar ho more with Kawtwiiti: \Vr join iioiir t-niiks ir/irn ivr'rr ho hi hid To see a Fri-urhnian^ or to shoot. Sharp-shooters iir—aU mni of mark— Von m Jiiid lis so. Yours, Eben Stark."^ He folded, scaled, delivered it, With well-feigned luiste and vigilance, As if the glory and pomp of France Were all within that message writ ! And feigning look of anxious care For safety of the m(>ssenger. He bade the Frenchman thus heware: ^'Los(; not the trail thro' forest wide; Wild are the woods -the way is dim— Beset with skulking savage grim." The courier trembling, terrified. At Eben stared, and begged of him What Eben gladly gave— a guide. 41 42 ONNALINDA. iVo llost (''.T f^Tillltcd the l)('h«,8t Of titled fjjiK.st ill silk and luce, With blander smile und (iourtlier j^'nice Tliiui EImmi jjjrunted tliis re.iuest ! Tiiniin^' to Scot in hi^dilund pliiid, In guise of deep concern he said: "do, Donald, for his vvny is dark — 'T will need your canny vigilance To guide th(! way for 'hi hell,.' France- Slmr hhu fhr //-//rv,"— said ('aptain Stark. And Dojiald, shrugging, feigii,>d a scowl As if he heard the forest howl. XV in THE COURIER'S FLIGHT. With courier forth was Donald sent. The one of (lascon never heai-d; The other of G-aelic not a word; And thi-o' the foi-est-wild they w(>nt. Thro' Jungk's (hu-k and wolfish den The sturdy Donald onward h'd. As if from ]>ogles grim he si)ed And ghouls from shade Oimmerian. THE ('(uniHirs i'i,i ,l, and motion made, Around his li,.ad lik<' sealping-knife, As if the woods in rear were I'ife With whoop and tomahawk and hla(h',— Ami "Whoop!" eame answers wild and fast; Theii- rear was rife with shi-iek and yell—' (But Donald knew the voic(>s well!) The quaking Frenehman paled aghast ! On eomes the foe with trampling crash — Dim forms are seen thrnius thi-o' the ghuh's Hustling the suitors to the shades), As if from horrors imminent. Behind, the courier panting-pale HtUl clutched the tartan of the Gael I i 44 OiVNALlXDA. On, on thoy Hpcd; thro' dens tlicy flh (b-cad. Lif^htninm' iwcalcd liis <,dmstly face* Turned on the Fronohnian in j-riinaco. Thon on tliro' Imsli and hra?n})ly hrako, In phantom ^Icn and dai-k ravin<* ►Startling,' the wolf and wolverine, The screeehinf"- owl and hissinj,' snake. "Is it a ni<,ditniare ^vun and f,dmst?" — The courier thou«-lit.— "Am I an elf? Or is it I . . . am I myself?" . . , And o'ei- his face one hand he passi^tl Wliih^ tli(> othei- held i„ lovinj,' ^rripo His one true fri((Mtl — the tartan sti'ipe ! . . . Tho' darkling horrors g'loomed before He dreaded most the foe l»ehind: Witli wlioop and screec^hin^^ limbs, the wind Now joined the dia})olic roar ! The gale it blew, and to and fro The forest bowed before the blast; Tin: COUUlKtVS I'LiailT. 4:> 1 Tho cloven piuo flow hotuUoiijf past And thnndcrin^? shook the .'jirtli »)..|ovv. TluiM wurrcd tl artli and clcnicnts As thro' the frlooin they scnmcd thoncc. lint lo! keen Doiuild's pccriiif,' sij,dit Cun^^dit Kliinps(* ut'tir of fhiniln^^ ton-li, (Ho kenned it was no friendly Hf,dit!), And darted with a sn(hlen Inrdi Into the thicket's j,do(>in of nij^dit. Kniiih'red from conrier, foi-th lu* sped, Leaving behind a tartan slirod. Stai-th>(l, nstonnded, and a^dnist, Chitcliing a sln-ed of iM^Idand plaid, The conrier glowered in dnsky glude, And "hola! h„!" cried wild and fast; And, reckless, (hished in fivnzicd finne Into the tangled chaparral. With ontciy sln-ieking tragical For gui(h* who vanished in tln^ gloom. Show him fhc lines :^ That torch showed clear The lines the cajttain meant were near! 46 ONNALINJJA Homeward went Donald light and gay — Sliovu of the courier's tugging weiglit, — Bounding o'er log and l)ush elate, Nor dens nor Imgles in liis way! He left tiie courier gro])ing on Thro' tangled mazes dark and dense— In forest's vast circumference Thridding the jungles wild— alon(>! " Show him the lines ! " was the order sent. AVhat lines? Not French, 't was evident,— But Donald knew what Eben meant. [ And Donahl now to camp again Came blithesome as from higldand reel, And singing loud, 'W/a till mi fuillc!^ A (laelic strain with wild refrain: "Cha till mi tui'il* — cha till mi tuille!" Sang Donald ; and a merry score Joined chorus : " we return no more ! " Fitthig reply to Denonville. They gather round in jocund group. No Avi-angling rout of sack and port; But sparkling rose the hubbling sport As Donald gave his mimic "whoon!" i t f PEA CE. 47 At boglos feigned he glared askaiiee, And cringed agliast in grisly awe; Then whooped again, and .slirieked " hola ! "— Then joined the laugh at "la belle" France. A wild strathspey— a highland reel— He led the scout of Denonville! XIX PEACE' What though without the blast may howl, There's peace within — the pip(>s are lit! wand of Peace, of :\Iirtii, „f AVlt! — What magi' in that little bowl! >Jow Ronald sung ecstatic lay— A pauui for the Pip,> of day; The grouj. betimes their lips they ^npe, And swell the chorus of The [*ipe: 1 O Pipebeiiipru! Sweet cMlm is tliiiio — .Soothinu; the nmrniurs of a world. Tui.s l)owl in ail- whirls cark and ,.aro. (Uoudward in w.vallis of h-iiiivnw,- whirled! Couo. With purple, wrc-atiie This l)row of mine In Ira-rraiiee hreathe, < > Pipe l)enii,'u ! I 48 ONNALINDA. 'Neath azure bays wo .sinj; tliy praise, Pip(>, with Peace cerulean crowned! The carl and king united .sing, And rule this realm of Blue Profound! C'OKO. Witli piiri)le, wreatlie This l)row of mine — In fragrance breatiie, Pii)e benign ! The storm is past. The winds are low. Tliat Peace of Song Benign doth brood Above the murmurs of the wood LuUing the sough of crooning bough. XX EBEN'S PERPLEXITY. Now in tlie camp tliey siidv to rest And soon tlieir weary eyehds dose; Have one ... in vain lie seeks repose, Perplexed with doubts that harry his breast. No spectres grim before him li^,., But a fancied form in Beautv's guise. ; ' E B E y \S P E li P L K X IT Y. 49 1 The moonlight gUnnnering on tlio tent Made fi-ette?,in,i.h,.,l with |„.,„.ls ,il,„v,. .str,uvl...vrv U-av..s; tlMit of a ,nMn,uis, with pearls betwocn the Iciivs; that of a viscount, with pearls ouly. 52 ONNALINDA. KBEN. No castlo, (hike, nor coronet— KON'AM). No moonlit nook— nor soft regret? No love ? oh, no ! nor .sweet brunette ! KHKX. All! Ronald, ifoii have dreamt of lier— Or are you seer and sorcerer f KOX.UJ). As l)ird that flies to heaven's dome Aojain returns to tli' eyrie Home, So we that fly o'(M' hill and y^Vm To th' eyrie, Love, i-eturn aj,min. . . . Like dazzlino- glance from wing- of dove Is bright Koniance to Life and Love! ^ KBflN'. Ecstatic Ronald! now I know A barb hath pierced your bosom, too,— "Who is she?"— MS of old 't was suid IVlien mischief thro' the kingdom sped. I" % ?jjJE.\\s I'Kurj.hxijy. 53 Fliiio' by ivstniiiit, and hniiish tVai-, WhutoVr til,' tf.I(>, 'f is sacred lunv. Did I not thus a ti-iist impart Tliou^di suc'ivd scaled within my lieart ? Du\ T not t<'ll of hov who came And toucliod 7ny stoic lu^art witli flamo?— Bright OxxALivDA — sweetest nam<"! — Kind Heav(^ji ! keep watch and ward above lier, And waft her dreams of love— RONALD. KBEN'. — and Jorcr ! Xow, while the eamp is deaf and dumb,- Heedle.ss of song „r story,— come ! Konald, the tale ! RONALD. A?(mld tliat to me Were given a tale of chivalry ! But .sim-e (best friend!) you\.sk, I'll u^ve iMy life in bi'i(>fest narrativ<', And only here and there selt>ct The mile-stones of the retrospect. II 54 '>.\ A.l 1.1 S DA. Tlic cpuclis ill our lives jirc three; And liere Ave i-rope in rifts between TIk' is . , .the WAS . . . tlie MKiHT HAVE 1!EK\. From .iilejiniin^' liills of youth we see Tlie «;'ionous hinds of [s to Me. In twili<;iit's vale of Is we j.ause To mourn tlie ffidin<>ins the earth and sky,— "Alas! it Mi o'odless caitiff uevei' lau.nlis Save when the l)lataiit howl he (piafts. . . . But, tu mv tale: — 1 Iff "By her side the chieftain dark And on her right, proud Eben Stark." onnalinda, paoe 188. JiOXA Llt'S TALE X X I RONALD'S TALE, 55 "My story iM-icf: 'T i.s y.'urs since' iiii AlyoiKiuiii clih.f With luilf his trihc of wamoi-s ivd, In war's (h-cud tr!ii)i)iiii..s hiihitrd, K'ushcd oil „iir lumilct. Child was I Of scan-c ten years, and yet tin- i-vy — Th<' war-whoop wild, and wail of j-Hcf Hn.u-lit hy that r.-d AI-on(inin chiH- Soun.l in the car of memory. Never can I for<-'et the look My mother <;av<' me when he took My hand from hers .' — that a-ony That hIanclKMl her dear sweet face to snow! Her outstretched arms' l,es,.ecliin- plea, Her livid lips,_t'orK<'t ? ah, no. "On steeds so tleef, f,way! away They Iniiried us in wild j.rray: Ovor the hills and forest (hiles They hurried us on wineiin.^' trails. • . . Once from a hill I turned my eyes And saw the whirling smoke arise — 50 ONNALINDA. Loved hamlet ! . . . Yet one gleaiu of hope — 1 .saw iipoii the distant slope One little cottagf of the j^ronp ; It stood apart — untouched by Haiue. I eaujiht my mother's eye ; there came Over hei" i)ale dear face? a snule, As if "t is ours!' to say to me, To cheer me, tlio' lier heart the while Was I'reakinn' in its ayoiiy. . . . 'rii.ii^ was the last, last beam of joy From those sa-eiitly, t.'iid.'rly. — As on w,. s]M.d thro' wood and ylad,", Sudden from (,ut an aml.useudo A hostile trihe upon ns hurst With tiendish whoop and yell accurst! ("nnfusion .hvad! (,)uick as a tho,u;ht" We whirled like l.aves in temp,.st ,,,uoht. V .miy saw-once ulan-iny round- My motiier sinkin- to th.. ground. Strai,i,htat the Al^-ommin chi.f th.Mv sped A mi-htier chi,.t, of look renownci,- My mother sank. The Al^.m-juin fled. Akjuu my niotlK'r a <-aptive I,.,! ! ''lucked from the .iiround at his palfrey's f,.ct, ^ And li,-ld on a mi-hti,.,- arm a-aiii, Swift was she horn.- on palfr.-y, (!,.,.,' Astl... lH-lma.fsst.-ed,,f ih„wil,| Ckraine O'.T the .listant hill a-ainst th,- ski.-s ^^l"' v^niishe.! in mis, of my st.vamin:, .-v.-s 57 Iljjl nil 58 OWALIXJJA. But ah ! even yet one little ray Of cliildisli hope — so slight, hut swoot- That somehow, somewhere, in some way, The mothei- and hei' hoy wouhl nH»el: That niiglity chiefs chivah'ie gi-aee Jiespoke a hei'o of his raee. "August ot mien, heroic mould, Like Argive chief on Ilium's plains; Ilis lenient eye so gently hold. His hearing proud and stately, told Of gentle hlood that coursed his veins. Methought his look a heart revealed — Sweet ho[ie ! he would the captive shield. ^'(Miwai'd! and onwai'd still we pressed. The gloom of night caiue dai'kly down. Then in a valley to the west ^Ve struck theii' camp — an IndiiUi town. The people — lads and maids — came out 'I'o gi'eet theil' little pale-fa"e guest ; They knew not how their nieriy shout Saidv dohiul in my little hreast. '<) motiiei'! mother!' — thus cried I — What conlil [ l)iiiu. ].,y ('alliii,n' !•())• I, ■!■ — so far away! Tiviiil)Ii I !.<.•, I ,(.1,1„'(1 in l(.\v lament, I^viii-;' within the Al.u'oiKiuin's tent. But one, ()ii(. solace to my LKiUT of Home — ah! wher(» was she/ O dark and drearv vacancy! ''The little maiden wondered why So sudth'U unite and sad was T; How could she know the tears that fell Told saddei- tale than lips could tell! "No life, no sound — and all ai'ound A hamlet's ashes strewed the ground. We entered ; and so strange the soutid liOXALD'S TALK. 61 I turned, uiul .stood without tlu' door— I durst not tread that silent tloor! . . . Some dusty books they brought nie out That on the floor wei'e strewji about Books tliat I 'd lay on motlier's knee And read to her, and she to me. "Again we mounted, and away Homeward Ave rod(>— I called it home!— We reached it as th(> weary day Sank in the twilight's deepening gloom. And the long days drew slowly by The days to seasons; these to years! And then with i-isii)g dignity Came maidiood's heart ^its hopes and fears. "(. . . Captain! you smile,—) yes, as f grew She grew- a charming maiden too. From little '' rlnvv vigihtnt : "A warrior, hrave and lithe aiid young, Keserved and sly — his words Imt brief; Ills belt with niiiiiy a trit])hy Innig Won him the favour of the ciiief. JtOXAI.irs TALK. 63 "As wise bosi(>i.v,. fi,.^t wcnild seize The bastioiied heights abovcA the town, Then tiu-ii from these his bfitteries And send Jiis ir,,i) suninions down; «o he first won the eldet, mid tlius ' From hanglity heights looked down on us. "One morn she tivmblin- eanie to jne; Ilcr pallid cheeks with tears were wet; I mid our fate! — 't was misery ... ^ (hn- loves-our lives !_with' woes beset. She sobbing wailed: 'It eannot b(^ ... <) would that we had n.-ver met." "«he told m,> th(.n, in hurrie.l breath, <-)t' midnight plot that warrior i.lanned- Ile spoke of smires, but hint.Hl death !- Her sir<^ too, heeding his demand. "To stay was death. To part was -what ^ For one 't was lil^>_f„, ,„,j^ .^ ^^.^^^ ^^.^^^^ , T" tears the, ai.l of n..av,M, we sought- Its purpose, ah, eould we but know! But jiart wo must . S i (54 oyyALJXJJA. That day went by. In cvcniiiji's gloom agtiin wo luet In wonted covert silently, While agony our .souls lieset. "() clinging anguish of that love That ends for aye in one last kiss! ... In prayer she ga/.ed to Heaven al)ov«> And, trembling like a woun(U'd dove, ' Adieu!' — she wailed . . . then gave me this." (And Ronald from his bosom drew A little disk that argent shone. He sat in silence. II<' alone Its hidden spring and meaning knew. A tear to Eben cl(>ar revealed 'T was shrine in sacred silence sealed. — With vulgar quest we will not }»ry Into its sacred privacy. . . . Then Ronald, i-ising as he spoke, With hurried woi'ds the silence broke:) " But, raptaui, see ! the moon is high, 'T is drawing late . . , 'il/// lifr .since thcnP I 've s 'U tv.'c hemispheres of men ! I've seen the blue Italian sky; I i I'OX.l LD'S TA I.E. 65 i r ve .sailed tlic murky ludiau seas, And roamed the far untijiodes ; Anid Scotia have I lingered in _ K'iil)t with the "glories of Killin ! I 've seen the li'ay <'a<-huea whirls Of fairy-foot.', I ;iii,ii ^jrls; And i<)se-li|»f nymj.h of (JuU.stan Jn slumher iei;n-iuMl on soft divan; But all, ay, all from memory fade Save her — that dear Algmniiuin maid! Only in silence of the ni<;ht In dreams our meetin^>\s we renew. Then fades lier vision tVom my sioht, r only hear her last 'Adieu!' . . . So, Oai^tain! all is vanity— My lif<. 's a shot athwart the dark !— And, save a sad-sweet na^mory, I 'vt" just one friend . . . you- Rhen Stark ! » He ceased. Into the slumbering tent Eben and Ronald silent went. Ronald to sink in slund).M- .hrp, Ehen to di-eam in fitful sleep. m OANALISDA. XXII IIow fares tho mosscn^or of Franco ! Bewildered, t(»i"ii, and sore beset — Tliriddiiifi' tlie maze of junkies yet — He j;T()})es tliio' foi'cst's dark expanse. No toreli that eaniiy Donald kenned Showed to the Frenchnuin foe or friend I And Onnalixda? — slunilterinnghtTTo],e,,eoro as n.\.\AL/\J)A. Then siKldcn sunset hursfiiij? forth, Blazed jiU the hill-tops of the West, And, ji^laneinj?, touched «'aeh niouiitaiu crest, And sniih'd across the happy earth, Till Twilight came in mystic hue And over tho oarth her mantle threw. Tv.night! and all the woods are still. The blinking stars <'ame, one by one. Ehen thro' woodlands went ah)n<', As once, with finger-tips a-thrill ! And onward, onwaid to th<> tryst! Lighter his feet with heart elate. The stars are l»right — the winds abate — The skies of Hope are amethyst ! While to the nook he wends his way We stanoke: "Fools! for ye know not what ye say. One j^lance uf his in l.altle-fray AVill keener pieive l»y simple threats Than all your swords and hayonets! 'Tiniiiir' say tender. Had ye known What I have seen, when he ah»ne ■ 70 OXNALJyjJA. (Of all a shrieking multitude) 'Twixt lun«»e<'Uee and Horror stood — Confronting calm a howling foe — Varlets! ye had not jested so."" (And lionald's comrades saw that he Was vexed with their hilarity.) "Pardon," — they said — "but he's away, And now (th' old saw) 'the kittens play.' Tell us the tale. We love to hear The very name we hold so dear. There 's not a num in all our hand But would 'twixt Death and Ehen stand ! Tell us the taU'." And Honald Kent Stroked his dark lieard and howed assent With lirow austere, as if he brought Tidings with solemn import fraught. We )»eer thro' o])eiiilig in the tent — See ! sparkling eyes of merriment As if t)n merry mischief bent ! — Some festive (|uip his conu'iides ]»lan As lion.ald now his tale began: corn A Of:: 71 mri T wus off tho coast of—" llo! hold! liohl!"- Oii him th«'v broke — Tliat tulo 's too old. A iuindrcd l»allads all bt'^iii, T was off tlio coast,' — they're old I j'r as sill ?» And straifjhtway all l»e<^aii to roar Stale l)allads both asl of Scjirboro' III sixtt'cii ('ij;lily-llir<'t' ; All April iii,i;lit fell lowiTiiif^ I jMMi ail aii^fiy s«'a. Wll And oil till' ln'i<;lits altovf tlu' to Was many a watcht'i' irazinic «l<>wii, Aim! inunnuriiiu- with a slinij; and frown "A wofiil niirlit 't will !).>!" Tile wind across the siirifcs CaiiK' liowliiii; to the land; In foaming wiatli the lirt-akt-rs C'aiiK' iMtimdiiiL!: on the strand THE ISM. LAD OF Till-: STUAyai-.li. 7;{ When with a voice from tunct high Sounded aloud thai startled ery : 'A wreck! a wreck! — Shoreuien ahoy I She's plunging for the land!" 3 Down from the heights went skunying The wrecke?'s to the shore, And women wild, who seaward smiled Hopeful an hour l»efoi-e! Theship— great (Jod!— in flames her prow !— The flames an- bursting from her how! She speeds full sail! — Thank Heaven the gale Is blowing to the shore! Ke»l are the Wii\es Itefure hei- Kach crest a flaming hi-and! With tongues of wrath and fiery breath She leaps toward the strand. Ahoy! ahoy!"_the trumpet rings — >ee on tl To le Indden reef she spi'ingsl I'oc siie ciniirs. — On rock she swi lltfS H«>r larboai'd to the land. 74 USy.iLIMJA. 5 A thousaiul sliru'ks df ti'iror Arise from sliip aud shore ! " Lmincli! luuiiclitlie boats ! " — tlu'truinpet notes Blare out above the I'oar. lint ev«'ry boat, from l»eaeli or l«l! they sink! — A iiiountaiii wuvo linrics thcjii deep in yuwniim j-mvt'I A slnick ! ii wail from wonirii jmlc The l>rav('st souls appall. 8 I'p! sec! — flic dauntless heroes Upon the surges rise ! 'IVaise ({(mI!" ji shout from ship ami shore Breaks upwaid to the skies. 'Coiu-ago!"— peals out that strangei-'s shout — lie sti-ikes the wri'ck . . . He leaps on deck . . . His ropp ties fast to miz/en mast, And, ^'Doicn the ro/tr."' he er les. 9 Swift, one by one, like pigeons From startled cote, they pour — They glid(> on rope through l»reakei-s Hand ovei- hand to shore . . . The flames! the flames! With hiss and gnash Sternward their tongues (»t' fire they flash, And on the flames the surges dash AVltli seething shriek and roar! 70 OAA .1 1.1 M) A. 10 The last man's o'er the taffrail — AloiH' the stnuigt'i" . . . No! IIoiToi's! — up from tlip liatcliwuy A woman from Itclow! — Claspiiifi; licr cliiltl, in terror wild Sliri»'kinj^: "() (J(m1! my child! my ••liild!'' To th«' straiigfr's breast her babe she prest 111 aj^ony of woe. 11 Tho' sinp'd with fire that hero To his bi'east the babe lie bound: Then to the sea leapt iiKtther and he — She elaspiiif; him around. Now on the rope, hand over hand, Thro' biu'akers pluiij;iiig for the strand — "Hold to the rope! it hunis.''^ — From land Rinf?s out the trumpet-sound. 12 A shuddcM'ing cry ui>rises From thousands on the lee — The rope it parts, and flamine still lirinly holds! And firm his teeth with cleneh of ileath That mother's sleeve enfolds! Oh, fearful sij;ht!— more rueful seem Those faces in the lurid jileani. . , . Hut — hark ! he sp<'aks! He stirs! he wakes! He stai'ts as frotn a .!. 15 And tin' tiiotlicr's lips iirc (luivcriiij? As if to s|H>iik . . . aiiiit stood, Tlu'ir t'yclids qiiivciiiiK ami licdcwt'd With tcMih'riifss tlii'V would ('((iiccal, — A inoiiM'iit iniitc: — uprose a slioiil That 'woke thn woodlniids round about And t'chiM'd in the f'oivsts dark: "(Jod hk'ss the Ikto — Captain Stark!" Tis such a d I reveals the mail More than all panes(»nnd Hroke on the nii^ht— a calm prot'oinal: To