THE SEA-SERPENT. 
19 
who rules the world, that his eye of power, which 
seeth even the sparrow’s fall, would look with 
mercy on us to-night, and save us safe from storm 
and harm. I almost deemed, when the clouds 
grew bright and the rainbow came, that this silent 
calm was perhaps an answer to the prayer that 
I in faith had breathed to Heaven ; for I seemed 
to hear, through the silent air, a spirit whisper, — 
c Your wish is given ! ’ ” 
VI. 
u Ah, Mary, long I’ve known thy power ; thy 
gentle heart can mine subdue ; I own I thought, in 
the battle hour, that perhaps I owed my life to 
you ; for when beneath San Juan’s walls, the shot 
and shells full thickly flew, too well my glancing 
mind recalls how through the fight I thought of 
you, and you for me, fair lady mine, unknowing 
still my danger, here were bending humbly at 
the shrine, where, but for thee, perchance my bier 
had rested, —but thy faith prevailed. You know 
the rest. But who can know what guards the 
