AGNES OF HIGH SUNDERLAND. 



181 



And the far-distant tones of deep thunder came rnmbling. 

 And clouds 'gan to rise from the edge of the deep. — 



Sternly and slowly they spread their dark pinions, 

 Till all was o'ershadowed and dim with their frown. 



When ihe lightning's blue flash, flew athwart their dotninion.s. 

 And rain in a torrent came hurrying down. — 



The waves then like huge beasts aroused from their slumber 



Shook on high their foam crested manes in disdain. 

 Now meeting in fury, — now breaking asunder, — 



Whilst the winds howled and roared as in glee at their pain. — 

 Clear through the darkness, the roaring, the thunder, 



A shrill ringing sound from an ill-fated bark, 

 Filled the heart of the maiden with pity and wonder. 



And her eyes vainly strove to pierce through the dark. — 



Nearer and nearer that dread signal sounded, 



But succour alas ! to expect was in vain. 

 And the poor helpless souls by the danger surrounded. 



Must at last find a home 'neath the boisterous main. 

 Hark, to that crash, — and that shriek of despairing, — 



No more does that signal ring out through the roar ; 

 And still round the rocks the fierce waves are tearing. 



And whitened with anger rush wild on the shore. 



Down in the whirling wave, 



Into the seething deep. 

 Sank the resigned brave, 



Whilst skies for pity weep ; 

 And the wild wind wailed 



And sang the funeral dirge 

 Of the poor souls who sailed 



Out in that gallant barge. 



They knew their end was near 

 Long had they braved the storm ; 



Courage resigned to fear, 

 Hopeless of aid, — forlorn. 



Save God's, no help was there. 



Tostied like a withered leaf 



High on the waves that hiss, — 



And in an instant brief 



Plunged in the deep abyss, 



\\'hilst curling creSts hung o'er 

 Like a vast precipice. — 



Discordant thunders laughed. 

 Like fiends exnltingly, — 



Fierce lightning's vivid shaft 

 Revealed their misery. 



Showing both fore and aft. 

 One endless foaming sea. 



Groaning like one in pain, 

 (Whilst 'gainst its sullen sides 



Remorseless beats the main,) 

 The vessel helpless rides. 



Screening its living freight 

 One moment from their fate. 



Grim death stood at the helm. 

 Cheering the angry wave. 



Which strove to overwhelm. 

 And furnish them a grave. 



And laughed to think that they 

 So soon must be his prey. — 



