Page:The Corsair (Byron).djvu/15

 A TALE.

CANTO I.

" the glad waters of the dark blue sea,

"Our thoughts as boundless, and our souls as free,

"Far as the breeze can bear, the billows foam,

"Survey our empire and behold our home!

"These are our realms, no limits to their sway—

"Our flag the sceptre all who meet obey.

"Ours the wild life in tumult still to range

"From toil to rest, and joy in every change.

"Oh, who can tell? not thou, luxurious slave!

"Whose soul would sicken o'er the heaving wave;