Page:Poems for the Sea.djvu/38



Just at the far horizon's verge, A mountain mid the main, As erst Philistia's giant tower'd   O'er Israel's tented plain, While hoarsely o'er the wave, it seemed A threat of terror sped, "Who thus, with foot of fire, hath dar'd   My realm of frost to tread?"

Yet on, the gallant steam-ship press'd   Her flaming heart beat high, And boldly flow'd her fervid breath, In volumes o'er the sky, Though gathering at their chieftain's nod A monster-train drew near, With frowning helms, by Winter forg'd,   In panoply severe.

Then, as the watchful stars looked down From their untroubled throne, A rushing flood of crimson light Spread forth from zone to zone,—