Page:The West Indies, and Other Poems.djvu/155

 In many a fierce and noble fight,

Though foil'd on that Egyptian night,

When Gallia's host was drown'd,

And o'er his country's foes,

Like the destroying angel rose.

A gay and gallant company,

With shouts that rend the air,

For warrior-wreaths upon the sea,

Their joyful brows prepare;

But many a maiden's sigh was sent,

And many a mother's blessing went,

And many a father's prayer,

With that exulting ship to sea,

With that undaunted company.

The deep, that, like a cradled child,

In breathing slumber lay,

More warmly blush'd, more sweetly smiled,

As rose the kindling day;