504 POETRY. 
ON SEEING A SHIP, 
WHICH HAD BEEN INDUCED TO ALTER HER COURSE BY FALSE LIGHT», 
DASHED TO PIECES ON THE ROCKS OF SCILLY, AT MIDNIGHT, IN DECEM- 
BER, 1813. 
BY NATHANIEL OGLE, Esq. 
Fierce the winter tempest blew, 
The moon in clouds were shrouded j 
Through the surge a frigate flew ; 
Her deck with men was crowded. 
For their harbor right they stood ; 
When three watch-lights dimly gleam, 
Glancing rays along the flood. 
Broad upon the larboard beam. 
Bear away !" the helmsman cries; 
"Rocks and dangers lie ahead." 
With the storm the frigate flies, 
By destruction's demon led. ^ 
Deeper night the heaven o'ercasts ; 
Brighter shine those trait'rous fires ; 
Louder roar the threat'ning blasts; 
Death with haste the ship inspires. 
Scarce the seamen drew their breath 
Silent was that gallant crew ; 
As if spirits whisper'd death, 
And each man his fate foreknew. 
Openmg clouds unveil the skies ; 
Crags and shoals begird her round, 
Raving surfs recoiling rise, 
Then rush up the broken ground. 
Lighted by the pale moon-ray, 
Balanced on a mountain wave ; 
Wreathed with foam and winged spray, 
High she trembled o'er her grave. 
Screams are mingled with the wind ; 
Granite reefs one crash resound ; 
No track of death the eye can trace, 
Nought but foam and billows round ! 
LRBJL27 
