The Downing legends : Stories in Rhyme :: :: University of Virginia Library

At last he 'scaped that realm accurst;
Athwart its southern gate he burst.
He saw the demon ramparts rise
Behind, against the northern skies.
The river dimpled smooth and clear
Through forests gay with flowery dies,
And songs of birds rejoiced his ear.
The world was still alive, he knew,
And knew it with a glad surprise,
And almost wept to find it true,
Such thankful heartbeats reached his eyes.

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He glanced ahead; he spied his prey,
And cheerly hasted on his way,
Like one who sees a prize anear,
A glorious guerdon long since due,
The wage of many a toilsome year,
A trophy sought since life was new.
He felt athirst; he dipped his hand,
And found the savor of the sea;
The continent was past, and he
Had entered into sunset-land.
That hour the Wampanoag lost
Her witchcraft,—lost her strength to fly;
He saw her useless paddle crossed,
Her visage drooped as though to die.
He reached and clutched her nerveless arm;
He dragged her in his own canoe;
Then sate and gazed, nor offered harm,
For sudden pity smote him through.