SUPERSTITION OF SEAMEN. 263 



No ! — Soon as from ashore he saw 



The winged mansion move ; 

 He flew to reach it, by a law 



Of never-failing love. 



Then, perching at his consort's side. 



Was briskly borne along ; 

 The billows and the blast defied, 



And cheer'd her with a song. 



The seaman, with sincere delight. 



His feather'd shipmate eyes ; 

 Scarce less exulting in the sight, 



Than when he tows a prize. 



For seamen much believe in signs. 



And from a chance so new. 

 Each some approaching good divines, 



And may his hopes be true ! 



Hail ! honour'd land ! a desert, where 



Not even birds can hide ; 

 Yet parent of this loving pair, 



Whom nothing could divide. 



And ye, who rather than resign 



Your matrimonial plan. 

 Were not afraid to plough the brine, 



In company with man : 



To whose lean country, much disdain 



We English often show ; 

 Yet from a richer, nothing gain, 



But wantonness and woe. 



