110 
NOTES. 
I add here a little poem, written by a young lady of Glou¬ 
cester October 1,1817. The description of the monster agrees 
in some points with that given by Pontoppidan and Dass. I 
am indebted to a gentleman of Cambridge for his kindness in 
furnishing me with the original manuscript. 
The farmers in Norway think that the serpent is fond of 
sheep, and that he comes on shore after them. There are 
farmers in Maine and Massachusetts, who are firm in the 
belief that he comes on shore, though they never caught him 
sheep-stealing ; but even this dark trait in his character is . 
more than hinted at in the poem. 
u The Serpent ansioereth Jonathan with great civility , hut with 
little poetry . 
11 By mortals I never was questioned before ; 
All tremble with fear on the sea and the shore, 
And dare not intrude ; 
So bold are the Yankees, so firmly allied 
To Liberty’s charter, their boast and their pride, 
That my own noble self they’ve boldly defied 
In frolicsome mood. 
u Of my length you first ask ; — ’t will little exceed 
The stretch of your wisdom, the length of your head ; 
My size they compare 
To a building that stands on a neighbouring hill, 
Most generally known by the name of wind-mill; 
To see my resemblance you certainly will 
To Cape Ann repair. 
“ You talk of my rum-casks; — I now can find out, 
Why all the inhabitants make such a rout 
With nets, guns, and darts; 
The fancied resemblance that holds the good dram 
With courage inspires every son of Cape Ann 
To catch the (l Old Serpent,” to fill up their can 
And enliven their hearts. 
