THE BLACK DEATH. 
391 
IY. 
Childless mothers, orphan’d daughters, 
From the seaward-facing crag, 
Vainly searched the vacant waters 
For that unreturning flag! 
But, suspense and tears are ended, 
Lo ! it floats upon the breeze ! 
Ne’er from eager hearts ascended 
Thankful prayers as warm as these. 
v. 
See the good ship proudly rounding 
That last point that blocks the view ; 
“ Strange ! no answering cheer resounding 
From the long home-parted crew ! ” 
Past the harbour’s stony gateway, 
Onwards borne by sucking tides, 
Tho’ the light wind faileth—straightway 
Into port she safely glides. 
VI. 
Swift, as by good angels carried, 
Bight and left the news has spread. 
Wives long widowed—yet scarce married— 
Brides that never hoped to wed, 
From a hundred pathways meeting 
Crowd along the narrow quay, 
Maddened by the hope of meeting 
Those long counted cast away. 
