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Transactions. •68 



But the airs they sang and the words they spoke 

 A Seraph's lips must tell. 



For quick as thought fled sea and sky, 



And the music charmed no more ; 

 I wished for the wings of a dove that I 



Might find that happy shore. 



A. C. 



There is also a small poem by John Mayne, copied from the 

 Star of March, 1808, which is not without interest as shewing- 

 what editors of London papers wrote in those days. 



THE CURIEUX. 

 (A tribute to valour, by John Mayne.) 



What mean the colours half-mast high 



In yonder ship ujion the main ? 

 Ah, me ! a seaman made reply. 



Some hero of renown is slain. 



Yon brig is called the Curieux, 



To Britain's foes a deadly name ; 

 Her Captain, Sherriif, and his crew 



No strangers in the lists of fame. 



But, in a daring enterprise, 



Tho' glory has the conflict crown'd, 

 A wreck his gallant vessel lies, 



While carnage reddens all around. 



Behold, approaching to the shore 



The tars lamenting, bow their head ; 

 Poor Sherriff wounded to the core, 



And for his King and Country dead. 



Ye brave companions of his life. 



Ye heroes of the Curieux, 

 Who join'd her in th' unequal strife, 



Who saw him bid the world adieu. 



To Honour's bed his corse convey. 



For glory was his leading star ; 

 Mild as the gentlest breeze of May, 



But like a lion in the war. 



And keep your colours half-mast high, 



A mournful signal o'er the main 

 Seen only when the illustrious die, 



Or are in glorious battle slain. 



