152 The First Excursion.
On and still on, the estuary gained
(The river broadened to a grand expanse),
Where bright Cocheco lovingly descends
To mingle with Piscataqua's mightier tide.
Along the western shore they take their way.
Replete with charms of surfeiting extent.
Until, sublime and ultimate of all.
Burst on their view the waters of the Bay,
Extending far beyond the vision's ken.
And melting in the distance to a haze,
Dreamy, voluptuous, and indistinct.
And who can tell what thought prophetic woke In Pring while gazing on this regal scene ! Could he have seen the future of these shores, — The struggling settlers founding thrifty farms. Contending 'gainst the murderous red man's power. And the hard fate attending effort new, Ending with triumph and assured success ; Could he have seen the peopled towns arise. The forests bending to triumphant man, — More glory than a conqueror's were his : His the grand vision of a mighty land, Created 'neath his transatlantic eyes. Searching for sassafras, and finding this. The crown of his exploit ; beginning meet Of subsequent emprise, that took the field And utilized discoveries of Pring.
��'O*
��Piscataqua ! with scarce a place allowed Among our native rivers on the maps. Thou bears't the palm as pioneer of streams. Along our sinuous coast, deep, swift, and blue, As bright and fair to-day as on that morn In .June when Pring embarked upon thy breast To make that first excursion o'er thy tide, So affluent with wonder and delight.
�� �
