THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES /' THE OCEAN MONARCH A POETIC NARRATIVE, With au Original and Autlientic Account, in Prose, OF THE LOSS OF THIS ILL-FATED VESSEL. The Proceeds of the Sale will be devoted to THE BENEFIT OF THE SURVIVIXG SUFFERERS. BY JAMES HENKY LEGG. LIVERPOOL: DEIGHTON AND LAUGHTON. LONDON: SMITH, ELDER AND CO. 1848. TO HER MOST G E A C I U S MAJESTY THE QUEEN, TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALBEKT, AND TO THE GENEROUS SUBSCRIBERS TO THE FUND FOR THE RELIEF OF THE SURVIVING SUFFERERS BY THE LOSS OF THE OCEAN MONARCH, This Work is respectfully Inscribed by THE AUTHOR. OCTOBEB, IWS. 865877 PREFACE. This is my first venture : like a frail barque which is newly launched, alone I leave the shores of Eetirement that have sheltered me, and abroad, o'er the waters that have no path, I sail to the deep ocean of public opinion. My boldness had not so far tempted me, had not I found a guide ; my pilot is the hand of Charity — my haven the good feeling of the world : the winds that may impel this to success or doom it to destruction, are the kindly welcome or the bitter censure, with the as fatal calm of neglect; and my freight is consigned to those who have been the sufferers by the dreadful visit- ation which I have made the subject of my narrative. Thus, then, on the broad stream I glide, away to the unknown and unfathomable depths of that ocean I steer : asking for a welcome, thus I pass, and to tlie judgment of the growing world commit my offering and my shallop's fate. THE OCEAN MONARCH. Upon the broad Atlantic's sui'ging breast, Heaves the dark wave ; — the -wide-wing'd albatross Skims o'er the ocean with its spreading wing, Or parts the brine to seek its scalj^ food ; The white sea-gull, wet with the dasbing spray. With sno^\7 plumage, gleams in the mid-day sun, Or sleeping rests upon the waters. — Lo ! Gliding along, see the light canvass sails. On taper masts, bear the swift speeding barque On to its home ; or, smoothly fleeting by. With fastly turning wheels and smoky clouds Puffing in air, with vitals wrought of steel, Whose motive power, as she breasts the wave. Piercing the billow, makes the huge machine B 10 THE OCKAN MoNAItCH. To vibrate with its strength, :unl her largo frame To quiver there ; — on, on the bouudmg sea With the white vapour and tlie blacker cloud Trailing behind, like to a sei*pent's tail, "Which disappears in air, — while the wild waves Heave in their toil, and fall, and rise again, And bear them onwiird : — where ? — to the far shores That limit the expanse of Ocean vast, Do wander they ; — on, to the far, far west, Where giant rivers feed each liquid breast ; — To the wild north, where icy mountains bind Their limbs in wintry chains ; the south pole too, ^^^lere it is lost in regions of the snow ; Then to the shores that eastward he, though yet Far, far removed from tropic suns, and breath Of dread malai'ia ; to Europe's coast, By gulf and sea and bay, and naiTow strait. To creek and harbour, do the wild waves roam ; Lo ! see them now enwrap the Briton's home. Fair Albion's isle we view : her white cliffs seen Above the dashing foam, and waters gleam. As roll the billows at her feet, and rise Her far-famed hills above ; wherein doth smil© The thousand beauties of her sea-girt Isle THE OCEAN MONARCH. 11 It is the drooping of the summer time, ""Ere chaug'd the aspect of that changing clime From sunny skies to winter's scenes ; and there The bright sun smiles, to view a spot so fair With fruits and flowers, and harvest crops of gold Ripe for the knife and sickle ; — tales of old Speak of the lauds where milk and honey flow ; To metaphor, where Nature's bounties glow And charm the wanderer's eye ; but tale or song Tell not of sweeter scenes than here belong. Would you view other charms ? Go, climb the steep, Tread o'er the heather, where the valley deep, Far, far below, borders the lake or stream Lit by the brightness of the morn's first beam ; Inhale the purity of breath that flows On noble hills — (no living mortal knows More potent spell, to fire the sluggish stream Of torpid life, or wake in him the gleam Of heavenly inspii'ation) — as his gaze On vast Infinitude doth dwell ; amaze Strikes the beholder's heart — his soul expands. And feels he proud, that of all modem lands, B 3 U THE OCAAN MONARCH. Noiip claim his liirth-riglit, but the chosen spot Tliat e'er hath fallen to a Britons lot. But other scenes than these attract. The lew Who know her beauties, let them still pursue The way that leads them to unfathom still The charms now liidden from their view — we take Another road : — 'Twas late in summer time 'Ere the red sun had dipped behind the heights That bound the western line of England's shore ; 1 n a large town, a sea port on that coast, Were crowds of beings, thousands who did live Amidst its smoke and with its din of wheels : And others too, who for a short time there Rested, 'ere they departed on the roads That changing Fate had made them. In this town, AVith busy hands, and heads with lab'ring thought, And toiling limbs, had gathered to a mass Huge buildings, halls and churches, warehouses And stores, and things of need for bartering, And built them places, where the countless barques Throng in their berths, and, like to close-set trees, Masts upon masts are seen ; ships that now float. THE OCEAN MONARCH. 13 Resting awhile from lands, far, far remote From this now busy scene ; barges are there Hea\-ily laden, at the river's mouth, Or swing upon the stream at anchor, while They wait the serving of the tide. See, see Teams of strong horses, each with heavy load. Following after ; — carters' shouts, and cries Of every kind are heard, wliile too, are seen The sailors of all nations ; laughter rings With the loud echo of some seaman's song — The grating of the cranes — the tread of feet ; All noise and work, and tokens of the place That traffic favours and where fortunes grow. Quick through the streets, the rattling cars brush by The carriage of the millionaire, whose greys Amble more slowly at the ladies' wish ; The noisy omnibus with three-horse team, Draggmg its cumbrous burthen o'er the way. To the harsh braying of conductor's horn. See, footpaths crowded with the men who seek Their Eldorado in a place like this ; ]\Ierchants and servitors, clerks, porters, boys. All upon business bent — clamour and noise Drowning the voice. See shops and offices J4 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Eearing their heads on high, whose depths are lost Jn unknown nooks and comers, where they liide l-'rom all but straggling gleams of summer days ; And mouldy smells and dust, and papers black With smoke and age, old files, aiid almanacks Telling of by-gone years, whose ghosts seem there The only tenants ;. but some older man More time-worn still, or antithesis seen I n a young forward imp, whose wit appears I3ent to the task of using on his face His master's ink intended but for paper. But wend we through the streets ; a stranger here Would wonder whence the human tide doth come And where it flows. See lounging foreigners With ripe Havannahs or the prized cheroot, Indulging in the weed, while thus they view In fashionable walks the fashions too, As parodied in strutting dandies trim. And unshav'd human bear, when all but him Dislike tlie sight of hair upon the chin ; There too, on errands bent, the ladies' feet At inten-als now grace the -gayer street, And to fill up the picture, in the mode To ape their betters, tliose of the buona role. THE OCEAN MONAKCH. 15 But svauder -we no more among these tilings That e'en too light, perchance, our fancy brings. We turn to graver subjects, for the light Of growing eve, now tells us 'tis the time Of parting — parting ? — Yes, 'ere coming night Shall cast its shadow o'er the busy mart, Friends from dear friends, from home from kindred part, And listen they, as, hark ! the church bells cliime Each passing hour, that tells them it is gone. If not for ever, yet it must be long 'Ere it their ears shall greet again ; but whom ? And what are they ? The answer very soon Is told. A ship, none stouter or more fit To battle with the waves, or bear her freight To distant shores, had ready now been made To bear men, women, children, from this land Across the wide Atlantic, to the West, The far fam'd West, to make another home And find another country ; she was named, (None fitter for her than the one she bore,) The Ocean Monarch. And her burthen, they Who bade adieu unto their friends. Ah ! sad Indeed that long farewell : though many there Were poor, yet few were friendless : and though low 16 THE OCKAN MONARCH. Perhaps, and ignoraut the number, yet Such times as these, awaken in the heart — Ah ! even plebian — emotions that Though foreign to the habit, are inborn. And hve and spring at such strong calls on them. As readily as in patrician's breast ; Wliat moital hand shall dare to separate Man from his fellow — say, " this feeling pure Sprung from the noble blood, could never live In the poor peasant's bosom ?" None, I say The heart can purest feel that Sorrow knows. When harden'd not by Time nor selfish woes ; He keener feels the pain, when Penury Ilath with its sister Want, wrought tight the chain That linketh kindred with the memories Of Suffering, when the cold world hath made True friends more precious ; when the parting near. He finds but few of them, alas ! are left To part with now ; but those of all bereft. He who doth part with none, ah I bitterly He views emotion in tlieii' bosoms there Of those who part with many, those with few, And thinks 'twere sweet to have one sad Adieu Whispered to him — who seems without a friend. THE OCEAN MONARCH. 17 Ob ! for one word of kindness, one soft -word, Or sigh, or tear, to ease his wounded soul ; The charm of sympathy, even in pain. From some he might have lov'd, but absent now, Untrue perchance, or silent — for the Grave Yieldeth no voice — the eyelids droop with tears Wrung by the desolate scene, for such can tell Who thus have felt, the heart's sad, bitter swell : 'Tis sad to breathe, more sad to hear Farewell ! It is whispered there With many a pray'r, By parent, by child, and by lover breath'd, where The voice is scarce heard, for the heart rings a knell Over memories past, at that word of Farewell ; And they droop to their grave, While over them wave The Cyprus and yew trees of Grief, That grow in the heart, where relief Is not foimd, But around Spring the tenderest thoughts, that had ne'er been before Awaken'd to Life, and their gentleness o'er 18 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Those mem'ries of friends, now felt to he dear, Ah I how dear in the parting, when nothing will rheer, For around them doth cling Each thrilling heart-string ; They tmne and they wreathe there, as though that to part \N'oald rifle the bosom of all. Oh ! the heart Knows tnily and well "What sadness doth dwell In a long Farewell. At last it came — the parting — it is past, They all are now on board, for evening lied Now darkens into night ; see yon bright star Looks from the purple heavens : twilight sinks Slow o'er the disitant hills ; — to bed, to bed. The ship sails on the morrow : sleep and dream oil I traveller, 'ere yet ye see no more Thy country's shores : for dreams are precious things "With all their pains and pleasures. Fancy brings Scenes that are brighter than Reality : She pictures that as ours which love we most, So yielding us the sweets of the possession, Which find we ever to be purer too Than sullied pleasures that the world can give. THE OCEAN MONARCH. 19 Sleep theu, and dream : oh ! -weary may ye be 'Ere ye yom' goal may reach : let the time flee In bright and pleasant dreams, to-morrow's smi Shall view thee far away, 'ere day be done. 'Tis midnight, And moonliglit Looks palely below, 'Neath the thin fleecy clouds Now unveiling their snow, 'Ere their shrouds Encase them in darkness again ; From the night they glide By the pale moon's side. Are seen, and then are no more. In the distant air, On the palest beam. Spirits are there. With a mortal's dream From the earth to the sky, It wanders on high, 20 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Ami its road is the moonlight's path That gleameth to earth : Tis an old man's dream, He is one of the wanderers' band, Who seek them tlie land Of tlie West, and his thoughts are of old. When a youth he had been, As he danced on the green With the fairest maiden, the village queen. He is young in his thoughts, and the blood springs free As the heel o'er the sward ; there are somids of glee, And music and mirth are around him : Soft glances are there from the maid of his heart. His thoughts are as tender as love could impart, He breathes her the vow To be tender and true, And whispers her now The tale she well knew : And the time of his youth acted over again. So dreamed he, the spirits were there, And they floated it on to its rest. Where they dwell in fathomless air : Then turned again ■^o^ THE OCEAN MONABCH. 21 O er the pale ray gliding swiftly there flew Shadows aud shades, and things that are new, And varied and anxious, the scenes that there Floated aloft, where the spirits were : 'Twas the dreaming of Manhood in sleep. While heavily sunk in his rest, With breathing so deep, As he rov'd in his slumbers : the West Was the liaven where Fortune he sought To raise him the bread For his children — and led By Anxiety, Sorrow, and Care, For Misfortune had driven him there ; His bed Was curtain 'd around by the shade That their burthens had made, And his sleep Was full of the trial and strife That had sadden'd his mid-day of life : Alas ! deep Was the struggle that woke in him now, As seen on the beam, Was the man's sad dream. '2-2 THE OCKAN MONARCH. And the spirits aloft in the air, As tliey saw his soul labouring there, With a tenderness sweet Breath 'd on his sleep, And drove the harsh phantoms away; While the dream to its rest Floated on. Hush ! the Spirits ai-e bending From where the clear light In moonshine descending, Is clearest and bright. Their white forms are gliding Tenderly where, On the purest beam riding, A mother s soft prayer I'loats on to its rest, with the purest and best ; 'Tis woke for the child, now asleep on her breast. And breath "d in her dream : She is wending her way through sorrow and danger, And trouble is marked on her brow : Her hands are outspread O'er the little one's head. She cries to her God in the laud of the stranger; THE OCEAN MONARCH. 23 Oh ! if heard the Avords dow, They were piercing and wHd, For she prays to the angels to guard her poor chikl. And sadly the spirits look'd down as they heard That young mother s ciy, each soft plaintive word As whispered to air, they caught 'ere it died And bore to its home ; the sweet spirits sigh'd At the trouble and woe That made her now weep, But o'er her pillow. They breath'd on her sleep : And happy, thrice happy the scenes that awoke On the dream of the mother : in gentleness broke Sweet music, ne'er heard upon earth e'er before. And voices unlike to what life ever bore, While she with her child seem'd to float on the air, Where but now she had sent to the skies her sad pray"r ; The mother was happy, the Spirits then smiled, And left her thus dreaming in peace with her child : While the vision stole on, on the moon's peaceful light' To dwell in its home with the purest and bright. 24 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Tlieii turn'd ihey to watch, where gleaming in air, Came rushing quick thouglits of things that are fair Blent with shadows of darkness, and then A pause ; then fleet shades that chas'd o'er the track, Wliile faster came others, to press at its back : Some lurid with flame, some pure as the light Of the road they trod — some dark, some bright. All nishing in eagerness by : Now home by the whirlwind — Cast high by the storm ; Now soft as the murmur On limpid waves borne ; Now sw'eet as the wliisper Of beautiful maid ; Now fierce as the clamour That tempests have made : With the flashing of flame. The gleaming of steel, 'Mong the shadows now came ; While giddily reel The throng on their way, Like the smoke that is tost On the wliirlwind, then lost. Nor an instant doth stay : THE OCEAN MONARCH. 25 Now sudden they vauisliing fly, Nought is seen but a haze rushing by, 'Till sweetly the sound of soft harmonies stealing Like tales from a lover, his secret revealing, With notes of a lute, that floweth along, While air is enchanted by music and song : A maiden trips lightly through many a scene. And sweet spells are growing where terror has been. Then hark! — hear the trumpet, the clamour of war — Away and away — and roaming afar. Adieu to the visions of love and delight : The cry is to arms, like the breaking of light Of an eastern morn, the scene is now changing, Away, and away over battle-fields ranging : The halt — then the charge — the struggle — then death, While the dreamer in sleep lies panting for breath: Then away on the moonbeam, the shadows glide Where the youth in his dream, o'er the sea doth ride Far, far away from the home of his birth, Where Fancy pourtrays a spot fairest on earth ; He goeth to win, quick, (|uiok in his clasp, Wealth, honour, and fame, all that mortals would grasp Now fast o'er the dreamer flow — Would they would stay: B 26 THE OCEAN MONAKCH. But no! Away, away, Youth ever is cluuiging, O'er hill uirI vale ranging ; And so the youth's dream fleeteth by Like the image of things That happiness brings. Which is sought, But 'ere caught. Glides away from our grasp, wliile we sigh. And the Spirits look'd on, Avhile the dream at their feet They smiled to see : They knew that the dreaming of youtli is more sweet Than its waking can be. So that dream with the others ilew on to its home, 'Till moon-beam was shadow 'd — the Spirits have flown With its gleaming ; But the mortals are there, And still dreaming Of scenes that are fair. THE OCEAN MONARCH. 27 Awake, awake, 'tis morning calls thee now : The sun hath risen, see the bright light streams Full through the hatchway ; wake, awake thee now^, Sleeper: arise, thy morning orisons Call thee now forth : the changes of the dream Have vanish'd from thy pillow, wherefore sleep, In dull unconsciousness, dost envy that Long silent one, that only shall be spent When clay shall be but dust, and thou be called To answer for the deeds thy Life hath seen : Awake, awake, the fleet time passeth by : Thine eyelids still are closed — Oh ! mortal man, What precious moments dost thou cast away In torpid sleep, when lo ! how short the span ! Thou know'st the limit of the longest Life, And what dread accidents may interpose To make it still more brief? — Thus we sleep on, Nor heed, nor care, how the quick moments fly. As do the wanderers, when mom is breaking. Lo ! o'er the eastern liills, see the broad streaks Of golden sunshine streams, lighting the earth With radiance and with warmth : he looks upon c 2 •»S THE OCEAN MONARCH. The siiow-wreatli'd inountaius, and lie dippeUi doAvn In tlie low valleys, where flow silver Ktreanis. Treading upon the mantle of the night, Whose latest sombre folds, sweep o'er the plain. Half rescued from their darkness, and appear In the bright varj-ing hues of purple mom. The light comes stealing o'er the balmy earth, And looks, where bending low, the (lowers droop In their young Life of Love, and hang their heads, J3reathing each other's fragrance, while around, Flows tlie sweet odour on the rifling breeze ; On their sweet bosoms hsuigs the diamond dew. Sparkling amid the light, whose sunshine drinks ^Vith kisses from the rnp the burthen there. Hark ! to the boatswain's call, lieavily tramp Feet o'er the thick-strewn deck : the gallant ship. The Ocean Monarch, is unmoor 'd : as far 0"er the bi'oad river, float the mellow notes Of mariners who labour at the wheel. And handspike ply. Thronging to the deck. Men, women, children all, impeding e'en The sailoi-s in their work ; huge ropes lie coil'd THE OCEAN MONARCH. 39 'Mid cables on the deck : spars, boats, and things Now used, then thrown aside ; the steamer there, Puffing its smoky volumes, now with wheels Straining and dashing in the brine, moves on, While stately followdug, the ship she tows. Upon the banks, a few who early rise And tempted by the morn, or some, perhaps. Anxious to catch a parting look of her That bears some dear one from them, standing there They watch'd her, as she bore her silently And slowly from the shore ; on board too, they Might fency they espied, upon the land, Some tender one, sending again his wish Of kind solicitude, as waves the hand Or the white kerchief; but the ship floats on, While scarce a word doth pass upon the deck, All thinldng of their now deserted homes. So pass'd she further, while above, the sun Rose higher in the heavens, still she went Upon the track, led by her labouring guide, Till busy town grew distant, where might now, Watching her turn the last projecting point. Be seen some patient one, when all were gone : Hull, masts, spars, rigging, faded from the view. 30 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Who as bo tuni'd awiiy, the thoughts that grew, lirought the sad sigh, " Another last adieu," While from the heart, that swell'd with his emotion. Was heard, " God speed the Monarch of the Ocean.' The day is growing, and the bright sun shines With clear and mellow ray : the shore recedes. And stretching far and wide, the heaving sea Now looraeth : still the pilot's hand doth steer The heavy-laden Ocean Monarch where The steamer leads her forth ; still toiling on. She nears the point when she shall cease to sway The motion of the barque. The wanderers Now busy turn them to their goods and wares ; Boxes and bags are thrust aside, to clear The lumber off the decks ; the sailors, now Busy with coming labour, with the ropes And sails are now intent : the steady heave Of the huge mass, betokens that she feels The efforts of the wave that rolleth by. Now qualmish grows the landsman, and the scent Of free sea breezes, roaming o'er the deep. Brace the strong nerves of mariners, whose cheeks THE OCEAN MONARCH. 31 Turu to their native red, while bright each eye e good ship lifts her sprit into tlio air, As though disdaining now the useful help • That late had led her. High o'er the crested wmtc She lifts her nohle front, while see aloft She reai-s her figure head, as racers do 'Ere from the lists they run, pawing the ground As eager for the strife : so bravely on, The Ocean Moxarcii lifts o'er the billowy seas. Dashing the spray and the impeding flow Of the rebellious waves from 'neath her b<>ws. Bending and rising with each heave and fall Majestic as itself; nought else besides So nobly as the Ocean Monarch rides, Shaking the dew-drops from her plumage white. Now starts she onward with the lav ring breeze. Leaving behind her, see, returning back. Her sombre pilot, like a bird tliat flies Clipt of its wings, of beauty thus deprived. She makes her way unto the port again. Unlike the craft that breasts the surging main, \^^lose plumes are perfect ; onward on her course She holds: the mariners are bent jigain Stowing in compass small, tlie things they need. Through the strong cordage whistles now the -wind THE OCEAN MONARCH. ;j.T lu pleasant murmurs, and the ropes ai'e strain'd With the propelling power : on, on, on ! No sea bird brighter or more beautiful Than tlie brave ship, as fast recedes the land That late she near'd : away, away, away ! She Hies upon her course : hold she thus on. And wanderers, ye shall soon that distant land Behold. The old man totters to the side. Not yet accustom'd to the billows' roll : The strong man strides upon the deck and views The wide, wide sea before him : and there too, The pale young mother, with her anxious looks, Holding her infant still : the eager youth. With his bright eye, excited gazes on Where all are bending — on the distant line That marks the horizon — through their frames now A gleam of pleasure flits, for the sun smiles. The ocean glances in his ray, and sports In thousand spangling points, and brilliantly Dances upon the wave that sweepeth by. The ship heaves gallantly — the fresh breeze too, All cheering, bright, and joyous — tlieir lone hearts Thrill with sweet pleasure, and they tuna to each Who stand beside, to mark how pleasantly 34 THE OCEAN MONARCH. She bears aloug : it is the first bright gleam Of moruing's dawn of pleasure they had known Upon their journey, and how sweet it is Wlien riowing where but grief had been before : Thirst to the parch'd, balm to the wounded sore, Food to the Imngry, were scarce half so dear As this first sunny ray. Oh I may it be Of long continuance, and chase away The living sorrow that had weigh 'd their hearts. Live thee, oh ! beam, that dost in kindness shed Thy ray o'er earthly son'ows, gilding there The cold and barren walls of Circumstance With tliine all-smiling light ; o'er the woni face Oi aged man, — of father, — mother, — child. Pour thy soft radiance, and brighten them, For they are wanderers : that name should win Kindness from all. Let then, oh ! gentle beam Thy tender warmtb, that now hath enter'd there In tlie sad heart, live till its heat doth spread Its genial softness round, and while tlie ship. The Ocean Monarch, with ker freight rides on, And sunny light floodeth the spreading main. Blow fav'ring breezes, though the wave be high, When gi-ief worn hearts are light. The sea, the sky, THE OCEAN MONARCH. 35 The liarciue, the rolling wave, the boatswain's cry. All, all bring pleasant sights and sounds to air, If lives the buoyant spirit witli them there. Hist, oh ! hist, Yoices I hear. Breathing a pray'r ; List, oh ! list. 'Tis not from a mortal borne to the sky, Nor floated from earth to the regions on high : Nor voice, nor word. Hath a mortal heard. AMiat be they ? — who breathe it then now ? It was but the echo I caught : I heard, but my eye vieweth nought Whence it comes ^vith its murmurs so low : But it hovereth round O'er the Ocean Queen, To the far West bound : Aloft, where is seen The streamer that waves from the head of the mast. It seems to be there, And sounds like a pray'r nn THE OCEAN MONARCH. Oer the ship and tbe wanderers — hush I — it is post. And the whistling wind Is all left behind, But the dashing of waves into spray. What betokens that prayer ? Lo ! the day Hath not ripen'd to noon. Is it fear That maketh me cold ? What is near ? Is it peril or danger, Or woe to the stranger That roameth abroad O'er the pathless road ? With the MoNAUCH of Ocean to bear hiui. W^hat feai's shall assail. Of tempest or gale, With hearts none more true than are near him. I heard it with trembling. And horror and fear My bosom o'erwhelming. While hovering there. Alas ! and alas ! what doom shall befall, That my spirit is faint ? Wliat spell doth enthrall My soul, tlmt is stricken? Oh! woe, woe. woe, 'Mid the sunshine and brightness, appeareth to flow A whisper of this : the skies are still bright : THE OCEAN MONARCH. No frown in the heavens, no mists dim the light. No darkness is near ; -what peril, say then, Can menace the ship or the wanderers '? Can The doom be foretold Of peril or ill, When the barque is so bold, As she beareth her still ? They heard not the whisper, that smile on her deck. I Or the thrill of the echo : but little they reck How time speedeth on, or what destiny ripens While swift sails the ship, and the sunshine still brightens : But sad is the doom that my bodings foretell, And the fate of the Monarch that now reigns so well. Float onward, float on, oh ! thou Queen of the sea. And false may the shadow of ill prove to thee, Though vague is its burthen : and tho^e who now sail With thee o'er the deep, may they ne'er read a tale More bitter or sad, than that they have known, Or the burthen that fast with the sea breeze hath flown. Oh ! wand'rers, sail on, wiiile beameth the ray Of light in your hearts : oh ! smile while ye may, 38 Tin: OCKAN MONARCH. There is woe on the breath of the favouring wind 'J'hat cheereth thee now, for sailing behind Comes the fate that now nears thee. ( )n\vai-d. >ail on : And may St thou he safe till the shadow is gone, ]\Iay it leave not its trace where the beamiiig tloth dwell ! Sail ye on, sail ye on, and may God speed ye well I END OF CANTO I. CANTO 11. 'Tis noon, the Ocean Mokaech o'er the waves, Rides proudly there : once upon each tack. Had she flown swiftly on ; now turned they The sailors to their work, to change again ; While thus preparing, there were busy sounds In the huge ship ; the passengers below, Some in the cabins reading, talking light Or lounging at their ease ; in the fore part Where poorer classes were, some in their berths Had lain them do^^-n, affected by the roll Of ship upon the swell; some busy were With trunks and luggage; others, hungry too, Were satisfying nature's cravings ; all Busy with novel scenes, some upon deck •iO THE OCKAN MONARCH. Measiir'il the quarter with tlieir footsteps, wliile Tliere might be seen some strong and stalwart frame Of ripened manhood 'gainst the bulwark leaning ^Mai'king the motion of the vessel as The waves rolled swiftly by : now gazing uj) To the blue heavens, then across the sea Viewing the sea bird, skimming on its way: While his own head, is shelter'd from the sun By a huge slouching hat : he sees afar The land receding, or in reverie Lists to the wind, hearing but heeding not The rattling cordage or the duller creak. Of straining things that varied with the sound Of distant voices, or more near, some words Briefly address'd by the ship's officer. Feeling the steady breeze each moment grow. As with the motion of the heaving wave The vessel rose and fell : thus stole the noon Upon them as they flew, but listen — say What brings the steward here ? What sounds are these He breathes unto the master : see doth rise The captain at the words I AVhy hurries he So «iuickly down the gangway ? Hark I a voice ! What is that crv ? — Unto the after cabin THE OCEAN MONARCH. 41 Passes lie now. Lo ! there are steps and feet Pressing in haste ! Quick, quick — and round and round, Circling about the spot, a whisper ran Like to the rings made by a plunging stone Into the water, that each instant grows And multiplies itself. The mate before Attending to the worldng of the ship, Heareth the whisper : hastily he leaves The fore part where he stood, brushes him by With his large frame, till through the hatchway he Plung'd and was lost. Hark, there are voices still That louder grow, and sounds of labour, with The noise of things thrown down ! What is it there ? In a blue wreath, seen curling in the air, Winding around above the gangway's mouth — Blow winds and brush it off! — see the mate comes Again in view, and hands are plying now Boring the deck. What haste is seen in that Which nerves the arm ! Quicker and quicker spread The circles round, and there are terror's looks As only that can give, when the dread thing Creeps slowly on the sense, which seems to sleep, Refusing to imbibe the thought of fear. First one then others came, till round there drew 42 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Some frighted faces, that did seek to learn Wliat was the danger ; or if any tliere — Nought answer 'd them hut the excited eye That roUd around, the hurry with the (juick And hasty movements, and the efforts made Scarce know they for what purpose : but the time Flew quick as lightning ; a few minutes liad liut now elapsed, when they were lab 'ring there With leatheni buckets, ah ! and water too, Deluging holes that they had made. Ran round A low faint murmur, swelling as it flew ; For now had gather'd round the vessel's crew And many passengers. Alarm seem'd growing Kapidly there, as in each other's cheeks They saw an echo of the thought, and so They turned from each to each, seeing in all The same, same marks — the pallor as of death — That magnified the sense of danger, 'till Each haggard face and wildly speaking eye Woke in beholders, greater agony As long as gazed they. Stay, stay — see the smoke In volumes dense ascend — back falls the crowd I Water ! — oh. water ! 'tis too late — the mate Turns with a sickening heart : denser still THE OCEAN MONARCH. 43 The choking clouds, rush to the purer air And with it, ah ! a searching, diy, hot hreatli, Like that of volcanoes, without the smell Of that they bear of sulphur : then a burst Of intense heat : the helm jamm'd up, the ship Swings round : but lo, that effort now has fail'd ! Hark ! now is heard the heavy sounding call To let the anchors go — the scorching air Hath driven too the helmsman from his post — Swift through the waters cleave the iron things, And soon the ship rides 'neath their fetters there : The winds blow freshly, but they clear them not The vessel of that cloud, which steadily And endless pours its burthen forth, with heat Growing intense. The passengers now Hy, But whither ? On their track steadily rolls The dense white cloud, nor turn they there to see The lurid shadow that rush'd forth, then seen No more — again it comes, the hot breath too. They feel its power, as they turn to gaze From the fore part. — Oh ! say, why, why that shriek ? Again, again — and now a hundred tongues Open on that same cry, as spell-bound they Gaze to the aft where through the thicker smoke D 2 4i THE OCKAN MONARCH. Darling now here, now tliere, the li(iiiid Haraes Euvelo[)e all the stem.— Oh ! wild they shriek— And sliriek again, one word alone ruigs higher Over all sounds—" Good God ! the SUip a on Fire '." As unseen there rolleth In Earth's deepest caves. The waters whence floweth The food for the waves ; As they wander in night With nought to behold them. Thus shunning the light In the caverns that hold tliem. They hide and they creep, and they grow, And gather them more as they go. And greedily licking the things that bear A semblance to them tliat are straying tliere. Tliey covet them all And seek then for more, 'Till the cavern's strong wall lie-echoes their roar. When their sm-ges with fury are lashing, Then boiling and hissing with anger they break From their caves, and vent for their rage they seek, Rushing in spouts, in cataracts dashing, THE OCEAN MONARCH. «i "MiJ whirlpool aud foam rushing on. So the waves of the fire That kindled below, Grew higher and higher As torrents that flow In the pent up space, crawling and creeping On all they can take to themselves, as upon The wood of the pine and the fir tree leaping, Yet silent and darkly their secret keeping They fed the fierce flame That rush'd to and fro : Too strong it became To keep it below ; For its bosom now swelled with its strength. It rose and it fell, 'till at length. Like the torrent that biursts from its dam, In a deluge the liquid waves ran Thro' the stem of the barque. While smoke, flame and spark. Grew higher and higher ; For fierce flies the fire With a thousand tongues, and shouting its name Run hither and thither, pursued by the flame. ItJ THE OCEAN MONARCH The fugitives there : And fire — fire — RiufTs through the air : ( >h ! woeful and dire The echoes became. Hurrying, hurrying, licre and now there, Some swoouiug, some swearing, others in prayer. Men shouting with teiTor, and women with friglit Hush wildly below : and oh ! feai*ful sight, Snatching their babes, to the bulwarks they strain, And 'ere hand be lifted they plunge in the main. All order is lost, and heard is no sound But wailing and shrieks : all voices are drown 'd In the din and the clamour. The Captain is there, Wlio utters commands that are lost in the air. No words can be heard — but confusion and woe, And sci-eaming and shouts, as they rush to and fro Each against each : and children thrown down Are trampled unheeded upon : to the gown Of their mothers some cling ; but ah ! they too fall- While men tread the heap, or add more to them all Wild rings the shrill screech, half stifled the moan Breaks forth from the pile, yet still fiercer grown THE OCEAN MONARCH. 47 More blindly they rush where uo help can be had : And, all with their terror, gone mad — gone mad — Wliile brightly the flame leapeth higher and higher, No echo is heard but of Fire — still, Fire ! Above and below, The flame to and fro Leapeth along, With forked tongues darting, Searching among The wooden beams parting. Brighter and bright Gleameth the light. The frame-work enwrapping Swift in their race. Like blood-hounds when lapping The gore of the chase. And shi-ieks with the cry, On the wild breeze fly, With the flame still higher, 'Tis Fire— still. Fire ! 48 THE OCEAN MONAUCH. The whispers aloft, whose echoes were beudin^' Aroiiiul the tall masts, now are read : thej were sendhig A prayer Thro' the air To the regions of sky : While it wan der'd on high, The breeze that was gliding Hath grown to a gale, O'er Ocean's waves striding With woe and with wail ; For swift on its track, llode Fate at its back. The doom hath o'ertaken The MoNAUcu of Ocean : By guardians forsaken. With deep surging motion She rises and falls on the sea. While the flames rush higher and higher : They have her — she cannot get free : She is Monarch of Ocean — not Fire ! THE OCEAN MONARCH. 40 Bravely oer the billow still there rides The Ocean Monaech, at her anchors swung : But, too, the fire gains ground : see the quick flames Half unto her tops, o'er mast, deck, cabin, Piush in their fur)' : they envelope now The whole of the ship's stern : the fugitives, Crowding and crushing, gather at the fore To 'scape the dreaded element ; two boats Are lower'd now, the others, 'ere the bands That held them could be cut, were by the flames Encircled and enwrapped : the tarred sides They lick'd with their long tongues as seqjents do Their victims, 'ere they glut their appetites And gorge themselves with food ; then, swallowing all In their o'er-stretching gullets : so they fed The greedy maws of fire's hundred limbs : A drea<-l prolific hydra, that doth make A thousand monster heads to rear their crests E'en from a single body ; ah ! a mite Of twinkling flame doth grow and multiply Until too great for chains, whose ravages The puny hand of man cannot restrain ; For only by the fierceness of its growth Is it consumed, as it doth spend itself 50 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Ill rt'oJiii<^ its own fury, and so dies ; JJut with it all its searing claws have touched. Two boats alone are laimch'd, and they, but small, Will hold but few : but see how many there Are striving for a place ! One sculls away : The other at the side remains, while fast She tills witli passengers ; o erloaded now, But little more will sink her — haste, push off, "While yet a chance remains that she will live III tlie tierce surge ; but through the cUn and noise, The shout, the struggle, and confusion there Reigning around and in the ship, that vain Were cry of warning or a voice to save. The danger grows each instant ; but the mate, See, plunges o'er the side, and through the sea With vigorous arm swims to the laden boat — He ilinibs on board : quickly he cuts the rope — " Push off" — away, away, and from the ship O'er the foam tossing billows now they roam, But \vithout oars to guide them : hats and boots Are used to bale the water from the boat That she had shipp'd : with boards, or what they can, They strive to urge her to the point they wish, But in the bold endeavour fail, and on THE OCEAN MONARCH. 51 Tlie rapid tide dotli bear them : all their strength Is spent to keep her head unto the wave : So floated they away. The burning ship, Heaving with the swell, looms in the air 'Mid smoke and flame, and lurid clouds and sparks Flying aroimd, wliile the heat feels intense, As with a hundred furnaces that glow With concentrated fire : human beings Scorched with its fervour, strive them but the more To fly its di'ead effects : on the jib-boom Dozens are lying, while upon their backs, Otliers are crawling one upon another With a tenacious hold, like ants that climb Each upon each in crowds upon a straw. Over the side of the huge flaming gulf With the loose booms, the spars, and tackle, all That might assist to float, had o'er been cast Into the sea, where many climg to them. Who thus had trusted to this element Rather than mito that : the mizen mast Has fallen — in its way dragging some do-^-n WTio clung to cords and rigging : now the main ]\Iast totters, groans, and falls with fearful crash. While with the shock her heavy timbers groan : 0^2 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Ami sparks and llaine leap from tin- madilen'd fires, Licking the holes their scorching tongues have made, Crawling upon the boards, that crackling catch The fatiil life, heard snapping 'mid the roar ( >f the huge burning pile, while o'er and o'er Witli the dread danger, ring the shrieks and cries : Heart-rending screams and echoes fill the air : Some leap into the wave, to end their pain And searing tortures : — by the hanging lopes, Loose sails and rigging, o'er the sides some climb ; Holding precarious life on such a tenure. That lire above and waters 'neath them llowinj', With no help near while still the flames are growing. Most fearfully they gaze, on what may be 'J'hat which shall bear them to Eternity, Each moment, every instant 'ere it pass May view the last sand drain 'd within the glass That illustrates the length and end of all Of mortid life, that we our Being call. I!nt ]() ! the topmast that upholds the boom. On which so many cling, is tott'ring with The all o'erwhelming heat, the hot boards crack THE OCEAN MONAECH. And pitchy seams are openVl — crash ! — there goes The foremast now — ah ! — following too, I hear The shriek of mortal woe — yes, the weak boom, With its o'erloaded weight, hath broken from Its place and falleth where the waters hiss And roll, while in their depths the wretches sink, Seen for an instant on the surface, then As the wild waves roll by, are view'd no more : Parents and children, brothers, sisters, all View their ties smider'd by that dreadful fall ; While the great number on the verge still rest, Some on the bowsprit cling, others to ropes, Some o'er the side, where now large holes are seen Whence the flames crawl : the cabin windows make An outlet for their fury, the whole deck, From fore to aft one living sheet of flame. The waist, the hold, the side, ships' skin, all there Feeding the greedy element, whose jaws Devour with fearful haste : there with the ship Moaning and cries succeed the tumult now : More fearful grows the scene — children are clasp'd Upon their parents' neck in one embrace ; Who, from the fiery air then drop themselves With ropes into the surge, to meet the fate. 54 TllK OCEAN MONARCH. Alas ! less bitter than the woes of life And torture of the flame. Oh ! the sad soundu And frightful scenes that now were witness 'd there Earth hath but seldom seen — may she but bear Still fewer yet, for the beholders' heart Is sear'd for life — with that these things iinjiart. No hand can picture and no tongue can tell, The fearful things that doomed ship befell. Ye who may read the tale relating this Sad, sad catastrophe, may shed a tear In sympathy o'er perils seldom borne. And pain and suffering, and may kindly sigh To think that fellow beings have been cast And liv'd in scenes so terrible and strange. Ye mav do tliis and more, for tender hearts Live in this world in spite of blight or care ; And be, oh ! soiTowful, as in your minds The pictures rise your fancies may invoke, ^Vhile they unto reality, were as Unsimilar in magnitude of woe As are the sun's bright rays to flickering Of lamps and lights by human fingers wrought. THE OCEAN MONARCH. 55 Around and around -where the flame fiercely rages, And dashing its spray o'er the heings it cages, The sea rougher groweth, And heaves with its swell That heavily rolleth. No mortal can tell Of the thoughts that were there. And the tortures they bear To the wretches now clinging to life : They battle with doom, and the strife Groweth fainter and faint As numbers decrease, Till the sadder complaint On the rushing wind flees ; But the flame gloweth bright. For higher and higher Leaps the red light With the blaze of the fire. The breeze cometh fresh As a hoimd from the leash. •J« THE OCKAN MONAIKII. And tlie billows are wildly leaping : They rise and they fall, And they roam over all, The breast of the blue ocean sweeping : And many a sail Spread to the gale. Is seen o'er the sparkling sea, As the ship they urge Through the foaming surge To roam o'er the wilderness free. The crest of the billow Is lit with the beam Of the sun ; but its pillow- Is hid from the gleam : Though it never doth rest. Its bed is the breast Of the wide, wide ocean — With a labouring motion That rises and sinks with the swell of the wave, There are ships that steer for the Monarch, to save "Wliat beings they may from an ocean grave Or a funeral pyre. Swift, swiftly, oh ! speed : Haste, haste, crowd the sails, indeed they have need. For the fire first sdfen, now hastily growctli, THE OCEAN MONARCH. 57 Until in their eyes like a fiimace she glowcth ; Aloft and aloft as the fierce flames ascend, The mariner fears 'ere arrive he, the end Of their doom may be wrought: blow breezes, then, blow — They near her : the boats are all mann'd, yet how slow Appears each swift barque, to the wishes of all To the mariner nearing; and they who now call To their God with deep pray'rs That the succour may reach them, And dew'd with their tears, These their sufferings teach them. See, see the Affonso hath anchor 'd her near: Her boats speed along, but their frail forms scarce bear The shock of the seas, so roughly that break And roll fiercely by : 'twere dang'rous to seek To touch them the side of the ship now on fire — The boats could not live, but drawn they have nigher Than well might they do, for masts, rigging, about With remnants of wreck on the heavy sea float. The Ocean Queen rides near the Monarch, who now Fast consum'd by the flames, still bears on her bow E 58 THK OCEAN MONARCH. Those still living : her seams Are now opened, in streams Down her scaltling sides The blazing pitch gleams, As the flame with it rides : But alas ! the poor few, whom shelter Irnve sought Oji the ropes that hang round, while clinging to aught That could stay them from deatli: The poor WTetches there Unshelter'd beneath The bmning stream, bear It as long as endurance (;an make them; But many Id wildness unto tlie harsh surges betake them — If any J} lit little their chance of escape ; for the lashing Oi waves, and the timbers 'gainst each other dashing. With loose ropes and spars, that several before Who had swam on the wave, now blackened o'er With heads and limbs gash'd, half sunken — and wild Eyes gleaming in deatli, were man, woman and child Half hid by the waters, that threw them about. As in sport at the mischief : oh I wild was the rout. THE OCEAN MONARCH. 59 And tlie ravage of water, With shriek and with shout, And the flame's fearful slaughter : To those left on the ship they draw nigher and nigher, While gasp they for life from the wave and the fire. In one of the boats That gallantly floats To the rescue, with oars and with men Returns the brave mate, who was driven Away from the side Of the ship, by the tide : Where the fire burst forth in its rage. Now he Cometh again to the cage Of the burning wreck : From the scorching deck, And the bows, the rigging and sprit, And the ropes and the booms where doth sit, Or hanging and lying, In agony crying For mercy from God, the poor fugitives there, Who wring their clasp 'd hands, while their lips breathe a prayer, £ 2 CO THi; OCKAN MdNAUdf. He standeth now read}', Bold, finn and steady, And taketh them otf one by one : "Would all others as he had so done The brave deeds of that day ! Nor stands he alone Whom such courage hath shewn, For now many obey The same impulse of daring, and lend Their strong energies there, to defend The poor wretches from fire and wave, From the burning or deep ocean grave. All ply eveiy hand In each gallant band. In the boats that now throng to the scene ; Though still danger is rife. Still hazard they life, 'Mong the surges and wreck, where are seen The remnants of those Whom the waters enclose. To hide the grim death, that hath been So busy ; — but now Under the bow THE OCEAN MONAECH. 61 Of tlie lire ship, rideth a boat, Spite of danger from timbers that float, Each instant they rescue the old or the young : Then laden, return by the cable now swung, From the wreck of the Monarch of Ocean, To the gallant Affonso, with motion Of strong hands well nerv'd, and the strengtli Of men who have hearts, they at length With their efforts have won — Tho' nor yet have they done — A number of beings from death : Still toil they — again now beneath The bows they are lying, Above them are crying The remnants that now are but few, Who fear to descend. Or to surging waves lend Their frail hopes, though the sequel they know Would be death to remain — For with terror and pain They tremble, as in the deep wave Their kindred had found them their grave. Which their own eyes beheld ; So in fear they now held 62 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Tlieiii bark from the liazarJuub task. In vaiu tliey implore, and they ask The poor people to trust to their skill : But alas ! the poor wretches, they still Cling to their hold on the bow — Trembling with anguish — but now — "Who more daring than they who are brave — Strips, to tempt him the strength of the wave And the thoasand things That their madness flings, And dashes about with the foam — Hail, hail, to thee, Frederick Jerome I Thou art lie- ^Vhom the sea. In its i"age and its danger, defiest : Thine hand is the one Whose deeds that day shone In the list of the brave and the highest. For lie Cometh upon the rude wave. The weak and the fearful to save : He swimmeth alone As he parteth the foam THE OCEAN MONARCH. 63 That he dareth : While he beareth A cord that is light yet as strong As his own bold self : see, among The wreck he maketh his "way To the ship, while above him, a prey To anxiety, terror, and fear. The poor people view him draw near : Each heart bolder groweth As to them he sheweth, The valour of which they have need. The ship yet bumeth As boldly he tmTieth Aside, all his path that impede : The flames above roaring As o'er the waves soarincf Still safely he rideth : — Above what betideth ? The fugitives watch — he succeeds — see his hand Grasps a rope, and he climbs — now firmly he stands By their side : then quickly uncoiling the cord, With its aid he now lowers them singly ; each word That falls from his lips tends to banish their fear And encourage their hopes ; their faces now wear G4 THE OCEAN MONARCH. A gleam of thought brigliter, as each one succeedeth In reaching the goal his worn frame so much needetli. Till none with the Monabcii of Ocean remained, But an old man and child mth Jerome, who ordained By a Providence kind for the task, e'en together Lower d them tenderly both. Could he sever Them when he had heard the old man relate How the infant's mother met her sad fate With the fall of the boom, since which to him clung Tlie child for protection — and pity hath wrung A tear from the eye, with a tale much less sad Than that which the child and the old man had. They are saved, none are left, the doom hath now pass'd. And Frederick Jerome now departs, e'en the last, From the burning ship, where alone doth dwell The fate that the Monarch of Ocean befell. THE OCEAN MONAECH. 65 All rescued '? — Yes, all that the power of man Could save, are safe — and the remainder ? Where No fear, nor peril, and no danger now Shall them assail again : their troubles past, Their limbs shall rest upon Lethean shores, Aud ne'er again be called unto the strife That they as mortals knew. Gone to their homes A re they — we shortly follow : on the path That leads to that same place, our feet now tread ; How soon we may be there, perchance to meet Those whom we speak of : — in their dreamless rest, ]\Iay their sleep happy be ! Those who alive Have "scaped the fire and wave, are resting them. Breathing awhile more freely from their pain. In the Brazilian fj'igate — Affonso — Are the much larger number : others there find refuge in the steamer, yacht, or boats That render'd service in the direful need. On board the frigate, the poor wretches now- Half naked, famish 'd, are both cloth 'd and fed. And tended vnth. the kindness, that we view But seldom as seen there. On board were those C(i THE OCEAN MONARCH. Whom people call the nohle by their birth. And know them so by name — even as high As those which princes bear, were only fit To grace them there — but what are empty names, High sounding titles ? Do they make the heart Noble or good — or the smooth vamish'd sound Of long appellatives, make generous men, The mind's quick thought to be but chaste and pure, Or wake the feelings unto tenderness ? Do the bright tinsel and the glittering gaud Of worldly honour make the noble man V No, no ! they do but as those things aloft ; They sen-e to catch the rays of light that gleam In the bright air. Thus prominent are seen The imperfections that neath gloss would hide, Which does but show them more. So 'tis with them. Partaking the world's favours, that reveal The plainer, what the nature of the men Who bear them. Tlien how oft it is we find. Though many might be called by such high names. How few do merit them. I5ut now our task Has to relate that which doth please us all : For who shall say, he hath no feeling for His fellow man, and that in deep distress THE OCEAN MONARCH. 67 He loves uot tu behold another give Succour to want ? Indeed, the ties which bind Man unto man, are but the things which prove Our weakness when alone, our strength, united ; That one has not, another to him gives, He in return supplies that other too : What were poor mortals without this concern ! It warmed the heart to view within that ship Hands that spread out to welcome, and to give Clothes to the naked, drink to those athirst. Food to the hungry, kindness unto all : And these by beings whom the world hath call'd The noble and the great ! In ages back. When the nobility were formed of those By fortune favour 'd and in valour fam'd, There also then, lived the same benefit For those born lowlier, who in their lives Had greatness shewn in word and gen'rous deed ; But from this height the world hath fallen now. And meets her largess with unequal hand. She gives to those who have, not those who want. Or are deserving, and the great in wealth Grow from their gold to be the great in name. This should scarce be, such homage should be paid 08 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Alone to innate worth. Hut here we find Link'd with groat names, (too strange an unity), Of worldly noldes — true nobility. Now turn we to the beings who have known And felt this tenderness. Some I have said liemain'd in the AfFonso, others were J^eceived on board the steamer, " Prince of Wales,' Before mi-named, though in the work of love And of humanity, she bore her part Right nobly with her crew : these she bears now With her upon her route — the yacht we called The " Ocean Queen" before, whose owner's hand And all on board her had saved many an one, Having ai'rived so early on the spot, Now bears her freight back to the port again With the Affonso : gallantly they sail — Kach one containing many a noble heart Swelling with pride (that we might well forgive) ; "Wliilc the poor sufferers they bear are fed, And cloth 'd with all spare garments, every thing THE OCEAN MONARCH. C9 That kindest hands could tend and warm hearts give, On board them both, were yielded unto them. So they return — return ! how strange the word AVlien only that same morning had they sail'd ! Return ? 'Tis so indeed — leaving behind How many ? Who shall count or number tell ? The news had gone before, the sad, sad news. And in the town beat many an anxious heart, For friend or relative on board : the piers Were crowded by the people waiting for Arrival of some news — at last there came The vessels with their freight ; but night had drawn Her sombre shroud around, and still on board The larger ship remain'd all who did wish : The others went their way, some here, some there. To seek their rest : all found a welcome where They tum'd their steps — no door could have been shut Upon the beings who had suffered thus. Foremost of all were many, who did give Unto the destitute their best relief In food and clothes : yet even among them Several were mark'd for greater bounty too — 70 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Nor unrewarded ^vill they be, for deeds Like these on earth do not uunotic'd go, They serve as do the vanes on lofty points And spires, to show how blows the passing wuid, Or how the currents in their bosoms flow. Ear th hath its records in all living hearts. And these are written there, but better still They're chronicled above. Thus night again Oertakes them in its course : it last did leave Them sleeping peacefully witliin the ship That should have borne them to the distant west. Now the o 'ershrouding darkness hangeth where The scatter 'd remnants of the wanderers Remain, some here, some there, on board, on shore, Within the AfTonso, or in the towTi, Seeking amid the quiet of the hours Again their rest in sleep. Sleep, ah ! again ? Though short their journey with that fated barque Has been in time, yet how eventful, when We count the things that have occuiTed — and ye. Poor fugitives, with bruised limbs and forms That bear the painful tell-tales of the fire, Jiandage your sores and on your beds again Turn ye and sleep : with daylight now hath past THE OCEAN MONARCH. 71 That dread of peril. On their knees they thank That Providence that thus hath rescued them From death, and such a death; — for those who late Had been mth them, but now perchance no more, They pour an anxious prayer, hoping that they As well might have escaped — then lay their heads Upon the wooing pillow, and again In slumber's stillness court return of strength Or spirit for the morrow, Sleep then, sleep, Poor fugitives ! with seared and burned limbs And bodies scorched, now tended are your woimds By careful hands : in luxury and ease Steep your oppressed senses ; banish fear And tremble now no more ; seek ye your sleep, And may no shadow o'er your slumber flit, Nor fearful dreamings haunt your strained minds ; May the kind guardians of Night-born thought, The spirits of the moon-beam guard you now, And in deep quiet let the time flee by, Wliile rest ye peacefully. Good night, good night, Poor wanderers, on earth may ye sleep well ! 72 THE OCEAN MONARCH. Hut turn we to the Ocean ^Monarch uow — The ship on lire — o'er the wide, wide sea For many a mile we ride, we leave behind The hour of midnight, soun