Page:Poems Sigourney 1827.pdf/172

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172
POEMS.


But straight to the palace of Neptune 't was tending
    As a bark to its haven is gallantly row'd,
For yoked to that islet, his strength freely lending
    Was a well-harness'd whale, by a triton bestrode.

To welcome Sabrina with dances and gladness
    Her companions came forth from their coral-roof'd bowers,
With smiles and caresses they stifled her sadness,
    Brought vases of shell-work, and Ocean's pale flowers.

But Neptune, grave king,—on his bright throne reclining,
    Thus caution'd the nymphs and the tritons,—"Beware!
The mind that indulges in causeless repining,
    Will still be the same, in earth, ocean, or air."





DEFEAT OF THE QUEEN OF NARRAGANSETT, IN 1679.


                             Sound, sound the charge!—
Urge on the combatants to deeds of blood,—
Embroil the forest-children with the lords
Who seek their heritage.—The steep hill's base
Is white with tents.—Beyond,—with curling wave
Old Narragansett sweeps his swelling bay,—
Indignant that his shores so oft resound
The din of warfare,—and that murder's tide
Curdles in those pure waters, which unstain'd
Had flow'd from their Creation.—
                                                     See!—they come!—
They haste to battle.—One, with volleying flash,