Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 3.djvu/263

CANTO I.] And gathering loiterers on the land discern

Her boat descending from the latticed stern.

'Tis manned—the oars keep concert to the strand,

Till grates her keel upon the shallow sand.

Hail to the welcome shout!—the friendly speech!

When hand grasps hand uniting on the beach;

The smile, the question, and the quick reply,

And the Heart's promise of festivity!

The tidings spread, and gathering grows the crowd:

The hum of voices, and the laughter loud,

And Woman's gentler anxious tone is heard—

Friends'—husbands'—lovers' names in each dear word:

"Oh! are they safe? we ask not of success—

But shall we see them? will their accents bless?

From where the battle roars, the billows chafe,

They doubtless boldly did—but who are safe?

Here let them haste to gladden and surprise,

And kiss the doubt from these delighted eyes!"

"Where is our Chief? for him we bear report—

And doubt that joy—which hails our coming—short;

Yet thus sincere—'tis cheering, though so brief;

But, Juan! instant guide us to our Chief:

Our greeting paid, we'll feast on our return,

And all shall hear what each may wish to learn."

Ascending slowly by the rock-hewn way,

To where his watch-tower beetles o'er the bay,

By bushy brake, the wild flowers blossoming,

And freshness breathing from each silver spring,

Whose scattered streams from granite basins burst,