THE SEA-SERPENT. 
95 
Gloucester the sons of Mars received that day 
a Boston phalanx ; they much admired the hardy 
tars, and much of time was lost in gay pranks: 
the morning had been passed in shooting at 
targets on the ocean floating, and o’er their 
chowder were disputing these gallant soldiers, 
whether boating, sailing, gunning, walking, rid¬ 
ing, or what, that gives brave young men 
pleasure, had best be done ; and each, deciding 
as suited best his time and leisure, had settled 
what he ’d like to do, and each resolved to 
“ put it through.” Their camp was .just upon 
the cliff that rises just beyond the beach ; and 
if you have not been there, — if‘you wish to 
go,—you soon can reach it by walking or by 
driving; — the breeze you have there is re¬ 
viving. There, tent, and flag, and glittering 
gun, and well-stacked muskets standing nigh, 
proclaim their martial duties done, — save where 
the sentries silently pace, with firm step, their 
weary round, to guard this jolly camping-ground. 
