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15
THE PIRATE'S SONG OFF THE TIGER ISLAND
- Our prize is won, our chase is o'er,
- Turn the vessel to the shore.
- Place yon rock, so that the wind,
- Like a prisoner, howl behind;
- Which is darkest—wave, or cloud?
- One a grave, and one a shroud.
- Though the thunder rend the sky,
- Though the echoing wind reply,
- Though the lightning sweep the seas,
- We are used to nights like these;
- Let it foam, the angry main—
- Washing out the blood-red stain.
- Which the evening conflict threw
- O'er the waters bright and blue.
- Though above the thunder break.
- Twill but drown our victims' shriek;
- And the lightning's serpent coil,
- Will but glimmer o'er our spoil:
- Maidens, in whose orient eyes.
- More than morning's sunshine lies—
- Honour to the wind and waves,
- While they yield us such sweet slaves—
- Shawls the richest of Cashmere,
- Pearls from Oman's bay are here;
- And Golconda's royal mine
- Sends her diamonds here to shine;
- Let the stars at midnight glow,
- We have brighter stars below;
- Leave the planet of the pole
- Just to guide us to our goal,
- We'd not change for heaven's own stars,
- Yon glad heap of red dinars;*[1]
- ↑ An Indian coin.
