258 Alexander Goodman More. [1875 



Dublin a further leave was granted, and his fourth visit 

 (September iyth to October 8th) was paid to Roundstone. 



From his Journal it appears that he continued ill at 

 Roundstone, and perhaps did very little Natunil History. 

 A composition which he forwarded to the " Galway Ex- 

 press " shows his still active interest in Inish-bofin, and 

 refers to a tragic episode of the year 1873, connected with 

 the pursuit of the basking shark. It was suggested by the 

 knowledge that a sum of money then collected by Mr. 

 Brady (Inspector of Fisheries) for the widows and orphans 

 of the drowned fishermen was now exhausted. 



THE LAY OF THE BOFIN SHARK-HUNTERS. 



[Supposed to be recited on the anniversary of the fatal accident which occurred in 1873, 

 when five brave and industrious fishermen were drowned in following this dangerous pursuit, 

 leaving their widows and orphans to depend for support on the charity of generous neighbours 

 and the compassion of the public.] 



We sailed from Westport westwards, 



A crew of eight stout hands, 

 To hunt the mightiest shark that swims, 

 The mighty shark whose tall black fins 

 Sail slowly past dark Bofin's rocks, 



Or Achill's sunny strands. 



For in Bofin there is wailing, 



In Shark are bitter tears, 

 Shed for the brave who've fallen 



In the prime of their early years. 



The purple sun is resting 



Far out on the western tides ; 

 All motionless our hooker, 



As if asleep she rides. 



But for us there is no resting, 



For us there is no sleep, 

 Till we have slain the slayer, 



That monster of the deep. 



The widow's wail is keening 



Too close upon our ears ; 

 The yellow sands are salter, 



Wet with the widow's tears. 



Then away ! with the early sunlight, 



While " vengeance " loud we cry ; 

 Away ! to Ardillaun's lofty sides, 



"Tis there our chance we '11 try. 



