VOYAGE OF THE GEEMANIA AND HANSA. 25 



wliicli they all willingly braved for the honour of their 

 native land, for the honour of the German navy and 

 of German science. That the Second German Arctic Ex- 

 pedition should put to sea under the eyes of his Majesty, 

 would, he was sure, be looked upon by all present as a 

 happy omen; and all might with good reason join in 

 cheering the august Monarch of their country, whose 

 mighty representative and protector he was, as well as 

 those on board the two vessels, who were about to sail 

 under the national flag lent by his Majesty, to unknown 

 lands in search of knowledge. Cheers from a thousand 

 voices then rent the air, after which the king once more 

 shook hands with those belonging to the expedition, at 

 the same time expressing hearty good wishes for their safe 

 return. The king then passed on to the Germania at 

 the head of his suite, and inspected the now finished 

 preparations with great attention. But the decisive 

 moment had arrived ; cannon roared ; three more cheers 

 rose from either side, and the Germania towed by the 

 steam- tug Simson, and the Hansa by the Vulcan, 

 made for the mouth of the Weser, the king watching 

 the ships to the very mouth of the harbour. It was an 

 exciting time, as we glided over the quiet liquid mirror 

 alongside of the quay — the. banks decked with the 

 fresh green of spring-time and enlivened by a gaily- 

 dressed crowd, and the flags flying from the ships, large 

 and small, — and took our last view of the houses and 

 towers of the town. 



With heads uncovered and handkerchiefs waving, our 

 friends sent their last farewell. But with these feelings 

 of pleasure were mixed thoughts regarding the future. 

 Would it be permitted to us some day to return home ? 



