ADDRESS TO DEATH. 



crew not dumb, descended rapidly from above, interrupted the 

 Gitano by rushing into the cabin, and making a hasty salaam, stood 

 upright again before him. 



" How now, Bentek !'' exclaimed the Rover, " what would'st 

 thou ? why jump in upon us like a shark pricked with the har- 

 poon?" 



But Bentek, living almost entirely with mutes, had acquired a 

 dislike to talking, and had almost forgotten how to speak, so that the 

 only answer his master obtained was the monosyllable " Paong 

 paong !" accompanied by rapid and eager gestures. 



" Ah ! I understand, commandant/ 7 exclaimed Fasillo, " the old 

 cormorant means the sound of cannon." 



Fasillo was not deceived, for scarcely had the words escaped his 

 lips, than a distant cannon-shot was distinctly heard, a second and 

 third followed, and immediately afterwards the sounds of a sharp and 

 incessant cannonade was heard above the rushing of the still angry 

 waters. 



ADDRESS TO DEATH. 



OH Death ! grim Death ! why com'st thou now, 

 With thine hollow eyes, and thy skinless brow ? 

 Why is thy form so gaunt and so gray, 

 Like a skeleton stripp'd of its dress of clay, 

 Thus sternly still in the solemn night, 

 Now plac'd before my waking sight ? 



Vision of hope ! Vision of fear ! 



Death, grim Death ! why com'st thou here ? 



Away away ! for the sick man's breath 



Is spent in imploring thy presence, Death ! 



He'll welcome thee as the dearest friend 



That heaven in his utmost need can send. 



Away then away ! nor waste time here, 



Thy presence, oh Death ! is pray'd for elsewhere. 



Vision of hope ! Vision of fear ! 



Death, grim Death ! why com'st thou here ? 



Away away to the princely tower, 

 And thousands will bless thy potent power ; 

 For the tyrant's curse is upon the land 

 Seize him, grim Death, in thy bony hand. 

 Away then away and a nation's breath 

 Will echo thy work in shouts, grim Death ! 



Vision of hope ! Vision of fear ! 



Death, grim Death ! why com'st thou here ? 



