 | Poems, by Joseph Cottle |  |
149
LEE BOO,
A POEM.
150
ARGUMENT.
Lee Boo, and his Father Abba Thulle conversing. Time, the evening before the Prince departed with the English.—Scene, the sea-shore.
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“Go! dauntless, go! the Sire of Pélew cry'd.
“Long have I rear'd thee with unsleeping care,
“Child of thy Father's love! But now prepare
“To cross the green sea perilous and wide,
“These strangers, Lée Boo! be thy future guide.
“For know, my son, beyond the isles I sway
“Of Oroolong or Keth, or Corooraa,
“Still other lands in smiling verdure rise,
“And other oceans sweep reclining skies.
“Long have I rear'd thee with unsleeping care,
“Child of thy Father's love! But now prepare
“To cross the green sea perilous and wide,
“These strangers, Lée Boo! be thy future guide.
“For know, my son, beyond the isles I sway
“Of Oroolong or Keth, or Corooraa,
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“And other oceans sweep reclining skies.
“I see thy young eye sparkle at the tale!
“Yes, with these daring English shalt thou sail;
“With them direct the Bark of towering form,
“And ride like them triumphant thro' the storm.
“Yes, with these daring English shalt thou sail;
“With them direct the Bark of towering form,
“And ride like them triumphant thro' the storm.
“King of these isles, a long and glorious reign!
“Has Abba Thulle liv'd, nor liv'd in vain!
“His subjects smile beneath his equal sway,
“And new-born pleasures charm each opening day,
“His envying foes gaze at his empire vast,
“Yet from his arm uplifted—shrink aghast.
“The wisdom which his far-fam'd Sires possest
“Has long and amply Abba Thulle blest;
“None better know the Plantain grove to rear,
“To cleave the tree, or launch the massy spear;
“To guide with nicer skill the sea-form'd knife,
“Or save from fierce disease the sufferer's life.
“Yet hear, the unheard tidings I proclaim!
“Hear me, my son! and mark my kindling shame!
“As shrink the sea-mists from the wilder'd eye,
“When the warm sun refulgent mounts the sky;
“So from the skill these unknown Whites display,
“Your father's high-priz'd wisdom dies away.”
“Has Abba Thulle liv'd, nor liv'd in vain!
“His subjects smile beneath his equal sway,
“And new-born pleasures charm each opening day,
“His envying foes gaze at his empire vast,
“Yet from his arm uplifted—shrink aghast.
“The wisdom which his far-fam'd Sires possest
“Has long and amply Abba Thulle blest;
“None better know the Plantain grove to rear,
“To cleave the tree, or launch the massy spear;
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“Or save from fierce disease the sufferer's life.
“Yet hear, the unheard tidings I proclaim!
“Hear me, my son! and mark my kindling shame!
“As shrink the sea-mists from the wilder'd eye,
“When the warm sun refulgent mounts the sky;
“So from the skill these unknown Whites display,
“Your father's high-priz'd wisdom dies away.”
The astonish'd youth awhile his thoughts supprest;
Then, rous'd by wonder, thus his Sire addrest:
“What! does the world a distant Isle contain,
“That has not learn'd great Abba Thulle's reign?
“Methought the Sun for thee resplendent shone,
“And that the stars were form'd for us alone:
“Hadst thou not told me other parts there were,
“With seas as spacious, and with lands as fair;
“Viewing these blue-vein'd strangers on thy earth,
“I should have judg'd the waves had giv'n them birth!
“Their skins so foully white! unknown their tale
“Their limbs so fetter'd, and their teeth so pale!
“But though no Bones like ours their arms array,
“Nor healthful brown their sickly forms display;
“Yet, why should colour change the feeling mind?
“In being men, I love my fellow-kind:
“And, as the Sire of Lée Boo bids his son,
“The thorn-strew'd path of duty, boldly run
“Fearless and calm I quit my father's throne
“To brave the dangers of a world unknown.
“Yet let me ask, shall we, so weak a band,
“Dread the fierce vengeance of no mightier hand?
Then, rous'd by wonder, thus his Sire addrest:
“What! does the world a distant Isle contain,
“That has not learn'd great Abba Thulle's reign?
“Methought the Sun for thee resplendent shone,
“And that the stars were form'd for us alone:
“Hadst thou not told me other parts there were,
“With seas as spacious, and with lands as fair;
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“I should have judg'd the waves had giv'n them birth!
“Their skins so foully white! unknown their tale
“Their limbs so fetter'd, and their teeth so pale!
“But though no Bones like ours their arms array,
“Nor healthful brown their sickly forms display;
“Yet, why should colour change the feeling mind?
“In being men, I love my fellow-kind:
“And, as the Sire of Lée Boo bids his son,
“The thorn-strew'd path of duty, boldly run
“Fearless and calm I quit my father's throne
“To brave the dangers of a world unknown.
“Yet let me ask, shall we, so weak a band,
“Dread the fierce vengeance of no mightier hand?
“No!” cried the father, “legions may assail,
“But where the daring race that shall prevail?
“When Artingall prov'd faithless to her trust,
“And laid thine Uncle prostrate in the dust;
“When my fierce wrath against her treach'ry rose,
“And hosts prepar'd to scourge thy father's foes;
“Awhile we strove, awhile we hurl'd the spear,
“Yet saw we not exultant triumph near:
“But, when these white men, merciful, yet brave,
“Born to subject the earth, and rule the wave!
“When these our squadrons led, swift as the wind,
“Our foes, retreating, left the palm behind:
“Then fear not, child! to leave thy native isle,
“And on thy kindred cast a parting smile.
“I would not, Lée Boo! urge thee thus to roam
“O'er the wide ocean, from thy peaceful home,
“Did not the hope inspire thy father's breast,
“That, ere his bones beneath the cold sod rest,
“The countless arts these strangers hither bore,
“Should richly thrive on Pèlew's favour'd shore.
“Thou on the morrow's dawn shalt join the band,
“About to leave thy father's fruitful land;
“The stormy ocean thou shalt nobly dare,
“And soon exulting to thy country bear,
“News of the climes o'er which thy feet have stray'd
“And tidings of atchievements there display'd:
“And, when triumphant from the trackless way
“Thy feet return, and distant arts display;
“The choicest Bone shall tell thy well-earn'd praise,
“A Rupack's honors crown thy future days.”
“But where the daring race that shall prevail?
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“And laid thine Uncle prostrate in the dust;
“When my fierce wrath against her treach'ry rose,
“And hosts prepar'd to scourge thy father's foes;
“Awhile we strove, awhile we hurl'd the spear,
“Yet saw we not exultant triumph near:
“But, when these white men, merciful, yet brave,
“Born to subject the earth, and rule the wave!
“When these our squadrons led, swift as the wind,
“Our foes, retreating, left the palm behind:
“Then fear not, child! to leave thy native isle,
“And on thy kindred cast a parting smile.
“I would not, Lée Boo! urge thee thus to roam
“O'er the wide ocean, from thy peaceful home,
“Did not the hope inspire thy father's breast,
“That, ere his bones beneath the cold sod rest,
“The countless arts these strangers hither bore,
“Should richly thrive on Pèlew's favour'd shore.
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“About to leave thy father's fruitful land;
“The stormy ocean thou shalt nobly dare,
“And soon exulting to thy country bear,
“News of the climes o'er which thy feet have stray'd
“And tidings of atchievements there display'd:
“And, when triumphant from the trackless way
“Thy feet return, and distant arts display;
“The choicest Bone shall tell thy well-earn'd praise,
“A Rupack's honors crown thy future days.”
“Thank thee, my Sire!” the youth rejoicing said:
“The untrodden path will Lée Boo dauntless tread;
“He shall survey what other lands there are,
“Improvement learn from Pèlew's isles afar;
“Collect of all his scepter'd Sire would see,
“And hope for happiness in pleasing thee.
“And, when the appointed moons their course shall run,
“Ere back to Pèlew turns thy wandering son;
“Then shall he charm thee with the wonderous tale
“Of all the dangers that befel his sail;
“Recount, with tears of transport in his eye,
“Each fearful whirlwind roaring through the sky,
“Each sea he travers'd, and each country new,
“Since to his Father's arms he bade adieu.
“The untrodden path will Lée Boo dauntless tread;
“He shall survey what other lands there are,
“Improvement learn from Pèlew's isles afar;
“Collect of all his scepter'd Sire would see,
“And hope for happiness in pleasing thee.
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“Ere back to Pèlew turns thy wandering son;
“Then shall he charm thee with the wonderous tale
“Of all the dangers that befel his sail;
“Recount, with tears of transport in his eye,
“Each fearful whirlwind roaring through the sky,
“Each sea he travers'd, and each country new,
“Since to his Father's arms he bade adieu.
“But to my Dorack now the news I bear,
“Receive her blessing, and her transport share.”
“Receive her blessing, and her transport share.”
And now the youth enraptur'd urg'd his way,
To where his Dorack's secret dwelling lay;
And, when arriv'd upon the causeway nigh
Catching her Lée Boo's pleasure-speaking eye,
She rose to meet the idol of her heart,
And in his sudden transport claim'd a part.
To where his Dorack's secret dwelling lay;
And, when arriv'd upon the causeway nigh
Catching her Lée Boo's pleasure-speaking eye,
She rose to meet the idol of her heart,
And in his sudden transport claim'd a part.
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“Oh, my fond Dorack! I have news to name
“That shall with joy thy throbbing heart inflame;
“Know then, from Pèlew, with these strangers fair,
“Is Lée Boo fixt their glorious lot to share!
“To roam with them the trackless ocean o'er,
“And search with them the world's remotest shore:
“For, hear with wonder! where the blue-edg'd main
“Connects the heavens in one continued chain;
“Or, farther still, beyond the verge of sight,
“Where all is bliss supreme and endless light,
“A race of white men dwell, who, like the sky,
“Deal forth their thunder, and ten thousand die!
“These are my friends! with them I cross the sea,
“Pleas'd with the opening world, and mourning only thee.
“And when returning to my native isle,
“Weary'd with toil, I seek thy cheering smile,
“Whilst all I have lies prostrate at thy feet,
“Oh, with what untold transport shall we meet!
“Give me thy blessing, Dorack, e'er I stray,
“And oft will I recount thy praises far away.”
“That shall with joy thy throbbing heart inflame;
“Know then, from Pèlew, with these strangers fair,
“Is Lée Boo fixt their glorious lot to share!
“To roam with them the trackless ocean o'er,
“And search with them the world's remotest shore:
“For, hear with wonder! where the blue-edg'd main
“Connects the heavens in one continued chain;
“Or, farther still, beyond the verge of sight,
“Where all is bliss supreme and endless light,
“A race of white men dwell, who, like the sky,
“Deal forth their thunder, and ten thousand die!
“These are my friends! with them I cross the sea,
“Pleas'd with the opening world, and mourning only thee.
“And when returning to my native isle,
“Weary'd with toil, I seek thy cheering smile,
“Whilst all I have lies prostrate at thy feet,
“Oh, with what untold transport shall we meet!
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“And oft will I recount thy praises far away.”
“When doest thou go? and how?” the Maiden cries,
Pale turn'd her cheeks, and wildly beam'd her eyes.
Pale turn'd her cheeks, and wildly beam'd her eyes.
The Youth reply'd, half wond'ring at the sight,
Whilst rude conjecture lent her dubious light;
“Even now, my Dorack! do I wait to share
“Thy fervent blessing and thy parting prayer.”
Whilst rude conjecture lent her dubious light;
“Even now, my Dorack! do I wait to share
“Thy fervent blessing and thy parting prayer.”
“What phantom of the ever-restless brain
“Has thy poor mind possest? refrain! refrain!
“Do not hereafter for thy rashness weep!
“Nor seek to taste the perils of the deep!
“Let these strange white men from our coast retire,
“And thou contented sojourn with thy sire.”
“Has thy poor mind possest? refrain! refrain!
“Do not hereafter for thy rashness weep!
“Nor seek to taste the perils of the deep!
“Let these strange white men from our coast retire,
“And thou contented sojourn with thy sire.”
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“My Father bids me go, with purpose stern,
“And now impatient waits his son's return.”
“Ah, say not so! the trembling Maid reply'd,
“I cannot let thee cross the ocean wide!”
(She paus'd, and from the tumult of her soul
Adown her cheek the tear unconscious stole.)
“And now impatient waits his son's return.”
“Ah, say not so! the trembling Maid reply'd,
“I cannot let thee cross the ocean wide!”
(She paus'd, and from the tumult of her soul
Adown her cheek the tear unconscious stole.)
To her the Youth, “O cease that bitter woe,
“Not for myself but Pèlew's realm I go.”
“Not for myself but Pèlew's realm I go.”
When thus the Maiden urged her soft reply,
“Live with thy friends, nor from thy Dorack fly.
“Why shouldst thou wish to leave thy peaceful home,
“And thro' the world with pale-faced strangers roam,
“To quit the land where every joy arose,
“To rouze thine heart or lull it to repose?
“Where smiling plenty all her dainties spread!
“And light-robed Pleasure play'd around thy head!
“Who like thy race such ponderous spears can throw?
“Where can such Yams regale or Chinam grow?
“What clime like ours her plaintain grove can boast?
“Her palm-tree forest, and her shell-lin'd coast?
“To cure the restless wandering of thy mind,
“Thou seek'st on distant shores, that peace to find
“Which only thrives by Friendship's hallow'd side;
“Where souls congenial stem misfortune's tide.”
“Live with thy friends, nor from thy Dorack fly.
“Why shouldst thou wish to leave thy peaceful home,
“And thro' the world with pale-faced strangers roam,
“To quit the land where every joy arose,
“To rouze thine heart or lull it to repose?
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“And light-robed Pleasure play'd around thy head!
“Who like thy race such ponderous spears can throw?
“Where can such Yams regale or Chinam grow?
“What clime like ours her plaintain grove can boast?
“Her palm-tree forest, and her shell-lin'd coast?
“To cure the restless wandering of thy mind,
“Thou seek'st on distant shores, that peace to find
“Which only thrives by Friendship's hallow'd side;
“Where souls congenial stem misfortune's tide.”
“I would not leave thee thus, the Youth reply'd,
“Thou best of womankind! mine only pride!
“Did I not trust again thy smile to meet,
“And lay my humble offerings at thy feet:
“Without thy cheering smile the world would cloy,
“And my robb'd bosom starve with all its joy.”
“Thou best of womankind! mine only pride!
“Did I not trust again thy smile to meet,
“And lay my humble offerings at thy feet:
“Without thy cheering smile the world would cloy,
“And my robb'd bosom starve with all its joy.”
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Faintly, and slow, the drooping Maiden said,
Whilst the wind whistling shook her reeden shed,
“Should'st thou, by Folly urged, from Pèlew roam,
“And chance conduct thy storm-beat vessel home,
“No Dorack's eye shall live to see the hour!
“No Dorack's blossoms deck thy favourite bower!
“But, stern-brow'd Death behold her mourn for thee,
“And, pitying, set her drooping spirit free.”
Whilst the wind whistling shook her reeden shed,
“Should'st thou, by Folly urged, from Pèlew roam,
“And chance conduct thy storm-beat vessel home,
“No Dorack's eye shall live to see the hour!
“No Dorack's blossoms deck thy favourite bower!
“But, stern-brow'd Death behold her mourn for thee,
“And, pitying, set her drooping spirit free.”
“Ah, say not so!” the shiv'ring Youth reply'd,
“Nay! more I tell thee,” urg'd the promised bride,
“If, sway'd by madness, thou these councils spurn,
“Never, ah never shall thy feet return!
“I see thy cold corse float before mine eye!
“Tell me, loved Youth! oh why will Lée Boo die?
“What can this grief-corroded bosom know,
“But one eternal round of phrenzying woe,
“Whilst wandering on the beach I mark the surge,
“And hear the hoarse wind sing its mournful dirge?
“Thinking how thy little bark shalt save,
“Amid the driving blast, the mountain wave.
“Then will reflection bring these warnings near,
“And cold Remorse his thorn-strew'd altar rear;
“Exulting force your conquer'd heart to bend,
“And call on Death, your stern, but only friend.
“Nay! more I tell thee,” urg'd the promised bride,
“If, sway'd by madness, thou these councils spurn,
“Never, ah never shall thy feet return!
“I see thy cold corse float before mine eye!
“Tell me, loved Youth! oh why will Lée Boo die?
“What can this grief-corroded bosom know,
“But one eternal round of phrenzying woe,
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“And hear the hoarse wind sing its mournful dirge?
“Thinking how thy little bark shalt save,
“Amid the driving blast, the mountain wave.
“Then will reflection bring these warnings near,
“And cold Remorse his thorn-strew'd altar rear;
“Exulting force your conquer'd heart to bend,
“And call on Death, your stern, but only friend.
“Exclaim'd the Youth, “My Dorack, dry thy tear,
“Let nobler views thy sinking bosom cheer;
“What tho' thy Lée Boo wander far away,
“And thou deplore each long and cheerless day;
“Think of the cause, for which he dares the tide,
“And bid those bosom-rending tears, subside.
“For tho' the mild affection of thine eye,
“No other Maid may boast or clime supply,
“And tho' resolved, whatever storm prevail,
“To smile at danger, and defy the gale;
“Tho' bent to traverse, far from Pèlew's shore,
“Seas spreading vast, and realms unknown before.
“Yet at thy name his secret tear shall flow!
“For thee his heart with fixt affection glow!
“And whilst he wanders through the world afar,
“Thy form shall hover round in midnight's shadowy car.”
“Let nobler views thy sinking bosom cheer;
“What tho' thy Lée Boo wander far away,
“And thou deplore each long and cheerless day;
“Think of the cause, for which he dares the tide,
“And bid those bosom-rending tears, subside.
“For tho' the mild affection of thine eye,
“No other Maid may boast or clime supply,
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“To smile at danger, and defy the gale;
“Tho' bent to traverse, far from Pèlew's shore,
“Seas spreading vast, and realms unknown before.
“Yet at thy name his secret tear shall flow!
“For thee his heart with fixt affection glow!
“And whilst he wanders through the world afar,
“Thy form shall hover round in midnight's shadowy car.”
“Vain are your words,” reply'd the weeping Maid,
“We want no stranger's artificial aid,
“And tho' no Boats like theirs protect our coast,
“Nor Thula's sons their varying knowledge boast;
“Yet humbler arts our humbler minds possess;
“Yet, still we know enough for happiness.
“Are they more peaceful? or more free from woe?
“More true to honor, for the arts they know?
“Hast thou not told me with a scornful frown,
“What discords fierce disturb'd their little town?
“And when hast thou beheld such tumults here?
“Our minds are tranquil and our hearts sincere.
“Ah! little thinks the Youth who leaves his friends,
“And far from home his heedless footstep bends;
“What deep conflicting pangs his heart may know,
“What tears unnumber'd from repentance flow.
“Then shall he learn his rash resolves to mourn,
“And bear the pressing anguish they have borne.
“We want no stranger's artificial aid,
“And tho' no Boats like theirs protect our coast,
“Nor Thula's sons their varying knowledge boast;
“Yet humbler arts our humbler minds possess;
“Yet, still we know enough for happiness.
“Are they more peaceful? or more free from woe?
“More true to honor, for the arts they know?
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“What discords fierce disturb'd their little town?
“And when hast thou beheld such tumults here?
“Our minds are tranquil and our hearts sincere.
“Ah! little thinks the Youth who leaves his friends,
“And far from home his heedless footstep bends;
“What deep conflicting pangs his heart may know,
“What tears unnumber'd from repentance flow.
“Then shall he learn his rash resolves to mourn,
“And bear the pressing anguish they have borne.
“Rous'd at her sorrowing words, the Youth reply'd,
“Soon shalt thou prove thy Lée Boo's happy bride,
“Yet must he first forsake his native shore,
“Yet must he first thy priceless smile deplore;
“Tho' much he Dorack loves, he loves his country more.”
“Then! if to please thee in an evil hour,
The Maiden cry'd, “thou brave the ocean's power
“If, reckless of thy drooping Dorack's pain,
“Thou spurn her councils and her tears disdain!
“Forsake thine home where only thou canst find,
“The balm of life and sunshine of the mind!
“And tho' resolved thy Dorack's prayer to spurn,
“Despite her anguish with thy short return!
“Talk of delights thy search shall never find,
“And boast of honors, fleeting as the wind!
“Go! heedless go! this heart can nurse its care,
“Silent in woe, and calm amid despair;
“And when its friends enquire the reason why,
“Tell with a tear, and answer with a sigh!”
She said, and slow retiring, in amaze
Left the desponding Youth awhile to gaze;
When, starting from a dream, he smote his breast,
And downward pondering sought his nightly rest.
“Soon shalt thou prove thy Lée Boo's happy bride,
“Yet must he first forsake his native shore,
“Yet must he first thy priceless smile deplore;
“Tho' much he Dorack loves, he loves his country more.”
“Then! if to please thee in an evil hour,
The Maiden cry'd, “thou brave the ocean's power
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“Thou spurn her councils and her tears disdain!
“Forsake thine home where only thou canst find,
“The balm of life and sunshine of the mind!
“And tho' resolved thy Dorack's prayer to spurn,
“Despite her anguish with thy short return!
“Talk of delights thy search shall never find,
“And boast of honors, fleeting as the wind!
“Go! heedless go! this heart can nurse its care,
“Silent in woe, and calm amid despair;
“And when its friends enquire the reason why,
“Tell with a tear, and answer with a sigh!”
She said, and slow retiring, in amaze
Left the desponding Youth awhile to gaze;
When, starting from a dream, he smote his breast,
And downward pondering sought his nightly rest.
Now on the eastern verge of earth, arose
Morn's doubtful light, and now it feebly glows
With solitary beam, still spreading far
The rising glories veil the morning star;
Till in the burning sky the Sun appears,
And heavily and grand his form resplendent rears.
Morn's doubtful light, and now it feebly glows
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The rising glories veil the morning star;
Till in the burning sky the Sun appears,
And heavily and grand his form resplendent rears.
Dorack, upstarting from her short repose,
Beheld the Sun his earliest beam disclose.
That wave-emerging orb, whose vital force
Inspires with joy the wide world in his course
Bids countless beings songs of gladness raise,
And mute creation join the grateful praise!
To her convey'd a pale heart-freezing light,
More gloomy than the horrors of the night.
Beheld the Sun his earliest beam disclose.
That wave-emerging orb, whose vital force
Inspires with joy the wide world in his course
Bids countless beings songs of gladness raise,
And mute creation join the grateful praise!
To her convey'd a pale heart-freezing light,
More gloomy than the horrors of the night.
Now on the shore a numerous host appear,
Chieftains and Rupacks to the bark draw near;
With wonder-speaking eyes, behold the sail,
Each heart exultant, or each visage pale,
As o'er the wat'ry waste they cast their eyes,
And hopes or fears for Lée Boo's safety rise.
When the bare Monarch stalk'd across the strand,
And courteous hail'd the small adventuring band.
Chieftains and Rupacks to the bark draw near;
With wonder-speaking eyes, behold the sail,
Each heart exultant, or each visage pale,
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And hopes or fears for Lée Boo's safety rise.
When the bare Monarch stalk'd across the strand,
And courteous hail'd the small adventuring band.
Tho' far removed from Learning's fostering sway,
Past Abba Thulle's unblest years away;
Tho' nurst in realms where science never shone,
And of mankind, unknowing and unknown,
Yet Heav'n enrich'd him with a princely mind,
Her noblest gift—the milk of human kind.
He lived his country's pride, her evening star,
Whose cheering ray descended wide and far;
Spread o'er the land a little stream of light,
Tho' twinkling, constant, and tho' humble, bright.
Fram'd to display the great in life and thought,
He lived to teach, himself by nature taught.
Past Abba Thulle's unblest years away;
Tho' nurst in realms where science never shone,
And of mankind, unknowing and unknown,
Yet Heav'n enrich'd him with a princely mind,
Her noblest gift—the milk of human kind.
He lived his country's pride, her evening star,
Whose cheering ray descended wide and far;
Spread o'er the land a little stream of light,
Tho' twinkling, constant, and tho' humble, bright.
Fram'd to display the great in life and thought,
He lived to teach, himself by nature taught.
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Him soon Lée Boo with pensive look drew near;
Solemn his step, and on his cheek a tear.
“Why weepest thou?” the fire of Péelew cry'd;
“Oh! I have cause,” the downcast Youth reply'd.
“The Maid, whom most my drooping heart adores,
“For Lée Boo's stay with fantic grief implores:
“Torn is my bosom, and my purpose wild;
“Must love, or duty, triumph o'er thy child?”
To him the Monarch, “Much I prize thine heart,
“And shudder at the hour that bids us part;
“But when to gain, than all, a nobler name,
“To raise the fabric of immortal fame;
“To learn the truth of what these strangers say,
“And bear their arts to Thulle's isles away;
“No selfish views should obstacles create,
“Great is thy object! thy reward be great!
“The grandest principle on man bestow'd,
“The noblest journey, tho' the roughest road,
“Is—to toil onward in our Country's good:
“So much professed! so little understood!
“This be thy task. If not one cross arise
“One fond hope blasted, or one sacrifice,
“Where is the Patriot's praise? prepare thy mind
“Full many a dark and storm-vext sky to find;
“Tempests, tho' hard, shall leave the brighter day,
“And stamp the meed posterity shall pay.
“Mind not the Maiden, when thy feet return,
“With equal love shall Dorack's bosom burn;
“Her, to his tent, will Abba Thulle take,
“And doubly prize her for her Lée Boo's sake:
“And when thy Bark upon our coast shall sail,
“Thy long-lost Dorack gladd'ning at the tale;
“Thulle shall rush with all a father's pride,
“And give the blushing Maiden to thy Bride.
“The vessel waits—one last glance dart around—
“Leap to the Bark, and be for ever crown'd.
“Suppress that tear—thy native valour show—
“Men should disdain to deal in Women's woe.”
Solemn his step, and on his cheek a tear.
“Why weepest thou?” the fire of Péelew cry'd;
“Oh! I have cause,” the downcast Youth reply'd.
“The Maid, whom most my drooping heart adores,
“For Lée Boo's stay with fantic grief implores:
“Torn is my bosom, and my purpose wild;
“Must love, or duty, triumph o'er thy child?”
To him the Monarch, “Much I prize thine heart,
“And shudder at the hour that bids us part;
“But when to gain, than all, a nobler name,
“To raise the fabric of immortal fame;
“To learn the truth of what these strangers say,
“And bear their arts to Thulle's isles away;
“No selfish views should obstacles create,
“Great is thy object! thy reward be great!
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“The noblest journey, tho' the roughest road,
“Is—to toil onward in our Country's good:
“So much professed! so little understood!
“This be thy task. If not one cross arise
“One fond hope blasted, or one sacrifice,
“Where is the Patriot's praise? prepare thy mind
“Full many a dark and storm-vext sky to find;
“Tempests, tho' hard, shall leave the brighter day,
“And stamp the meed posterity shall pay.
“Mind not the Maiden, when thy feet return,
“With equal love shall Dorack's bosom burn;
“Her, to his tent, will Abba Thulle take,
“And doubly prize her for her Lée Boo's sake:
“And when thy Bark upon our coast shall sail,
“Thy long-lost Dorack gladd'ning at the tale;
“Thulle shall rush with all a father's pride,
“And give the blushing Maiden to thy Bride.
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“Leap to the Bark, and be for ever crown'd.
“Suppress that tear—thy native valour show—
“Men should disdain to deal in Women's woe.”
Firmness may worlds subdue! but still, 'tis hard
To keep, for ever keep, o'er Nature guard;
The Monarch's eyes the soft infection caught.
And what his tongue condemn'd, his conduct taught.
To keep, for ever keep, o'er Nature guard;
The Monarch's eyes the soft infection caught.
And what his tongue condemn'd, his conduct taught.
The silent Youth, submissive bow'd his head,
Then waved his hand, and to the vessel sped.
When from the deck, he spy'd his Dorack's form,
Bending in calm submission to the storm;
Casting a look to Heav'n, whose glimm'ring light
Scarce forc'd a passage thro' her tear-drown'd sight.
The sails were rais'd, when swift the Maiden ran
Down to the Ocean's brink, and thus began.
“Go, much lov'd Youth, urg'd by mad Folly's sway!
Go, voyage safe, and prosperous be thy way!
“Protected when each sweeping blast arise,
“And safe whilst Heaven's destructive light'ning flies;
“And when thy mind shall feel its wandering fire,
“In disappointment's gloomy port expire;
Oh may that God, of whom the white men tell,
“Have pity on thee! with my Lée Boo dwell
“From every toil thy sorrowing heart defend,
“And back to Pèlew's Isles thy steps attend!
“But, as these eyes no more with joy must shine,
“And never meet the answering glance of thine;
“Let not this last fond moment from us glide,
“And the stern Bark our kindred souls divide,
“Without one parting hope, one rising sigh,
“That each unguarded word may quickly die:
“The mutual wish! oh, let contention cease!
“And, if thou must depart,—depart in peace!”
Then waved his hand, and to the vessel sped.
When from the deck, he spy'd his Dorack's form,
Bending in calm submission to the storm;
Casting a look to Heav'n, whose glimm'ring light
Scarce forc'd a passage thro' her tear-drown'd sight.
The sails were rais'd, when swift the Maiden ran
Down to the Ocean's brink, and thus began.
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Go, voyage safe, and prosperous be thy way!
“Protected when each sweeping blast arise,
“And safe whilst Heaven's destructive light'ning flies;
“And when thy mind shall feel its wandering fire,
“In disappointment's gloomy port expire;
Oh may that God, of whom the white men tell,
“Have pity on thee! with my Lée Boo dwell
“From every toil thy sorrowing heart defend,
“And back to Pèlew's Isles thy steps attend!
“But, as these eyes no more with joy must shine,
“And never meet the answering glance of thine;
“Let not this last fond moment from us glide,
“And the stern Bark our kindred souls divide,
“Without one parting hope, one rising sigh,
“That each unguarded word may quickly die:
“The mutual wish! oh, let contention cease!
“And, if thou must depart,—depart in peace!”
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Scarce had she said, and as the Youth arose
To lull the Maiden's anguish to repose;
The lifted canvas caught the rising gale,
And from her aching eye convey'd the ling'ring sail.
To lull the Maiden's anguish to repose;
The lifted canvas caught the rising gale,
And from her aching eye convey'd the ling'ring sail.
Ah! never more to Pélew's happy isle,
Returning with a fond and artless smile,
Shalt thou recount the wonders thou hast known,
And claim the much-lov'd Dorack as thy own,
Ah! hapless Youth, soon shall thy race be run!
Untimely set thy mildly-beaming Sun!
And when at last the mortal debt thou pay,
Far from thine home, poor blossom of a day!
Thy bursting heart shall on thy Dorack dwell,
And parting with the World, exclaim farewel!
Returning with a fond and artless smile,
Shalt thou recount the wonders thou hast known,
And claim the much-lov'd Dorack as thy own,
Ah! hapless Youth, soon shall thy race be run!
Untimely set thy mildly-beaming Sun!
And when at last the mortal debt thou pay,
Far from thine home, poor blossom of a day!
Thy bursting heart shall on thy Dorack dwell,
And parting with the World, exclaim farewel!
The little toys which pleas'd thy opening mind,
E'er o'er thee past distemper's ruthless wind,
And which thou fondly hoped'st to display,
When back returning to thy Corooraa,
These shalt thou leave behind! fair youth! mine eye
Weeps as I write, to think that thou should'st die.
E'er o'er thee past distemper's ruthless wind,
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When back returning to thy Corooraa,
These shalt thou leave behind! fair youth! mine eye
Weeps as I write, to think that thou should'st die.
Thy kindred sad shall deem their Lée Boo slain!
Thy weeping Sire call after thee in vain!
And when perceiving at the promis'd time,
No son returning to his native clime;
Days of unceasing pain his heart shall know,
And gloomy nights of never-sleeping woe;
Till Grief shall dash him with her poison'd wave,
And his grey hairs go sorrowing to the grave.
Thy weeping Sire call after thee in vain!
And when perceiving at the promis'd time,
No son returning to his native clime;
Days of unceasing pain his heart shall know,
And gloomy nights of never-sleeping woe;
Till Grief shall dash him with her poison'd wave,
And his grey hairs go sorrowing to the grave.
Thy Dorack too shall o'er her Lée Boo pore!
Each evening wander on the sea lasht shore!
Each morning roam with heart-corroding pain,
And count the crags so often past in vain!
Still, Maiden! still, thy hapless path pursue;
Still to affection prove thy bosom true;
And dwell with all a lover's fond delight,
When the proud bark shall crowd upon thy sight:
But never more shall Lée Boo call thee dear!
And never more his voice thy bosom cheer!
The bond of death his once-loved corse detains;
A foreign country holds his cold remains.
Ah! why that sudden start? that heaving sigh?
Did'st thou in fancy see thy Lée Boo nigh?
No! 'twas the wind at which thou stood'st aghast,
The fearful howling of the midnight blast.
Poor Maiden, grieve not! he shall ne'er complain,
Tho' storms and tempests heave the raging main;
Peaceful, his bones beneath the valley lie,
Whilst the fierce whirlwind sweeps the darken'd sky.
Each evening wander on the sea lasht shore!
Each morning roam with heart-corroding pain,
And count the crags so often past in vain!
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Still to affection prove thy bosom true;
And dwell with all a lover's fond delight,
When the proud bark shall crowd upon thy sight:
But never more shall Lée Boo call thee dear!
And never more his voice thy bosom cheer!
The bond of death his once-loved corse detains;
A foreign country holds his cold remains.
Ah! why that sudden start? that heaving sigh?
Did'st thou in fancy see thy Lée Boo nigh?
No! 'twas the wind at which thou stood'st aghast,
The fearful howling of the midnight blast.
Poor Maiden, grieve not! he shall ne'er complain,
Tho' storms and tempests heave the raging main;
Peaceful, his bones beneath the valley lie,
Whilst the fierce whirlwind sweeps the darken'd sky.
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Mourn then a little longer! tell thy tale
Of wasting anguish, to the passing gale!
Still count thy Cord, thy wretched lot deplore,
And nightly wander on the ocean's shore!
Search with the rising sun the briny verge,
And trace each spot upon its foaming surge,
Cherish the hope of meeting him again,
Tho' hope be hopeless, and thy tears be vain!
A little longer only shalt thou stray,
Thro' the bleak beatings of thy wintry day!
On earth a little longer shalt thou roam,
E'er Death shall call thee to thy last long home,
To join beyond life's never-ceasing storm,
Thy faithful Lée Boo in a Seraph's form.
Of wasting anguish, to the passing gale!
Still count thy Cord, thy wretched lot deplore,
And nightly wander on the ocean's shore!
Search with the rising sun the briny verge,
And trace each spot upon its foaming surge,
Cherish the hope of meeting him again,
Tho' hope be hopeless, and thy tears be vain!
A little longer only shalt thou stray,
Thro' the bleak beatings of thy wintry day!
On earth a little longer shalt thou roam,
E'er Death shall call thee to thy last long home,
To join beyond life's never-ceasing storm,
Thy faithful Lée Boo in a Seraph's form.
| Poems, by Joseph Cottle | |