the last of the gascoignes.
161
As the proud frigate flew before the sea,
With her topsails high pointing to the sky,
Tinged by the rising sun, a deeper dye;
Scattering from her bows the glittering spray,
As the gallant ship speeds nobly on her way,—
When suddenly a chirp was distinctly heard
Of a lonely, wearied, yet lovely little bird.
Gascoigne saw it perch upon the tall mast,
Listening to the notes as they swiftly came past;
Then pointing the bird to his friend,
"Ah! yes," replied the half-musing Martin Brend,
"I often think birds, like stars, have a voice,
Bidding us poor mortals for our good rejoice.
The grateful robin sings to his human friend,
And should we not bless the great Creator then?
Striving to love, and reverence, and adore
Our Heavenly Father still more and more."
As Gascoigne now turned so calm and quietly away,
And formed another group with Allan Grey.
Now still at sea, the wide deep all around,
Alone, with only a lulling drowsy sound
Of the crested waves, that lave the lengthy side
Of the noble frigate, as in all her noble pride
She cleft the vale of the glistening spray
As she grandly sped on her lonely way.
With her topsails high pointing to the sky,
Tinged by the rising sun, a deeper dye;
Scattering from her bows the glittering spray,
As the gallant ship speeds nobly on her way,—
When suddenly a chirp was distinctly heard
Of a lonely, wearied, yet lovely little bird.
Gascoigne saw it perch upon the tall mast,
Listening to the notes as they swiftly came past;
Then pointing the bird to his friend,
"Ah! yes," replied the half-musing Martin Brend,
"I often think birds, like stars, have a voice,
Bidding us poor mortals for our good rejoice.
The grateful robin sings to his human friend,
And should we not bless the great Creator then?
Striving to love, and reverence, and adore
Our Heavenly Father still more and more."
As Gascoigne now turned so calm and quietly away,
And formed another group with Allan Grey.
Now still at sea, the wide deep all around,
Alone, with only a lulling drowsy sound
Of the crested waves, that lave the lengthy side
Of the noble frigate, as in all her noble pride
She cleft the vale of the glistening spray
As she grandly sped on her lonely way.
