University of Virginia Library

O God! a blazing world of sea—
A blistered deck—an engine's grinding jar—

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Hot scents of scorching oil and paint and tar—
And, in the offing up yon fiery lee,
One spot in the air no bigger than a bee—
A frigate-bird that sails alone afar!
(He takes from his pocket and reads a letter from Rhona which reached him in Australia.)