Page:Songs, Legends, and Ballads.djvu/165

Rh He drives his shapely vessel, and they watch the reckless course, Till once again their skipper's laugh is flung upon the blast: The placid ocean smiles beyond, the dreaded Cape is passed!

Away across the Indian main the vessel northward glides; A thousand murmuring ripples break along her graceful sides: The perfumed breezes fill her sails,—her destined port she nears,— The captain's brow has lost its frown, the mariners their fears. "Land ho!" at length the welcome sound the watchful sailor sings. And soon within an Indian bay the ship at anchor swings. Not idle then the busy crew: ere long the spacious hold Is emptied of its western freight, and stored with silk and gold.