Page:Poems David.djvu/58

Beneath the bright and sparkling waves.
The third day he arose from his rocky bed,
With the sun still scorching his shelterless head.
He gazed o'er the sea, and to his joy saw a ship,
And cries of delight, burst from his parched lip;
His heart almost sunk as he heard himself speak,
As his voice had become so fearfully weak!—
Oh'! he watched the good ship, as onward she came,
It gave him new strength;—his hopes were not vain.
Near and still nearer, to the rock she drew;
A boat is let down, manned with a gallant crew;—
Raising himself up, breathing a heartfelt prayer,
Thanking God from his soul, that his life had been spared.
Saved from danger! Death! and wreck,
Once more he treads a good ship's deck,—
Bright Hope has wove her golden web
As the future lies before him spread.
In the fairest colours gaily drest,
New objects excite his ardent breast;
And Harold, from his earliest youth,
Had sought in every legend truth;
Yet did not appear to understand
The width that fancy's dreams could span.
He loved to hear the seamen tell
Of the rash "Whistler's" dreaded spell;