142 LOYALTY. 
with requisite caution.* The scene presented 
by the assemblage of the people on the 
Queen's birthday has been depicted by a 
poet of their own. The following stanzas by 
Mr. Nobbs, in one of his national songs, pro- 
duce a pleasing sketch : 
Ha ! that flash yon grove illuming, 
Long impervious to the sun ; 
Now the quick report comes booming 
From the ocean-rescued gun. 
Now the bell is gaily ringing, 
Where yon white-robed train is seen ; 
Now they all unite in singing 
GOD PRESERVE OUR GRACIOUS QUEEN. 
In the year 1849, a Frenchman, of a mili- 
tary air, and partly military costume, arriv- 
ing, with some other travellers, from the 
brig Fanny, was courteously received by the 
islanders. With the politeness characteristic 
of his countrymen, he soon engaged in con- 
versation with Mr. Nobbs, and, in imperfect 
English, inquired, Whether the people of 
Pitcairn had heard of Prince Louis Napoleon, 
and the French Kepublic ? and, as the next 
* Since these words appeared in the first edition, intel- 
ligence has been received of a melancholy accident, occa- 
sioned by the incautious use of this gun, (page 273.) 
