308 RISING OF THE NORTH STAR. 



north or pole-star could be seen from the line, 

 I this time took particular notice of it, not that 

 I could ever credit such a thing, for it is well 

 known, that its altitude between the tropics is 

 very nearly the latitude, therefore it would be 

 impossible to see it until rising nearly two or 

 even three degrees above the horizon, the first 

 distinct sight t got of it was in latitude 3° 30' N. 

 On my passage out I lost it in latitude 4^ 30' N. 

 but then it was not very clear weather. The 

 rising of this star is always looked forward to, by 

 the sailor, with feelings of delight on his home- 

 ward bound voyage. Often have I watched most 

 anxiously for its appearance, thinking of those 

 friends, whose hemisphere it never forsakes. 

 And while gazing over the vessel's side, marking 

 her progress through the sparkling billows, the 

 pleasing images of fancy would steal upon my 

 senses, till lost to passing scenes around, the 

 thoughts of home would absorb every faculty 

 with all the delusive delights of reality: 



