University of Virginia Library


37

XXIV
THE VESSEL OF THE STATE

I am the Vessel of the State, and hence,
When sudden from the helm the steersman fails,
'Twere meet some sighs were given to the gales,
Which, as in duty bound, I here dispense.
Yet other sentiment have I, immense
Relief from prow to poop through spars and sails,
Which whirlwinds, haply, yet may wreck, or whales,
But not the pilot's gross incompetence.
Hath he gone down to nether regions dim?
No matter, so not longer here he be;
But, monarch of the fallen Seraphim,
Vast ruth and mighty dole have I of thee;
For thou must needs be intimate with him,
Whence ruin of thy empire I foresee.