Page:Poems for the Sea.djvu/39

Rh Aurora Borealis bent Her arch around the skies, And up the wondering billows gazed With phosphorescent eyes.

The sleepless Captain at his post Firm and undaunted stood, Though ice was thickening round his keel, To chill the seamens' blood. How tardily that fearful night, Told out each measured hour, While many a prayerful heart invoked The Great Deliverer's power.

Up rose the morn, and touched the crowns Of all those arctic kings, With lustre of a thousand rays That the rich diamond flings; And flashing from their vitreous shields Reflected colors streamed, While towers and miniarets of pearl, In fearful brilliance gleamed.