Keta and Other Poems (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1885 Excerpt: ... His time dividing, as the days advance, Between the cottage and the rector's manse; Tranquil abodes whose peace can nothing mar Of wars, or discord, which may rage afar. And he at close of day as heretofore Contemplative, is wandering on the shore; Where 'twixt the wave and the celestial plains Of earth, nought but one rocky point remains. Where the land ends a rampart, tall and steep, Projects its point on the Atlantic deep. And here the starry pageant he survey'd, Observatory meet by Nature made. As here he linger'd in this wild retreat, He heard the plash of oars, and tramp of feet. Not new to him was this sequestered spot, Nor distant far from the paternal cot; And well he knew to scale the craggy wall, Known but to few, where few dare risk a fail. Upon this strip of isolated strand Nor fisherman, nor smuggler here would land. Strange thus, upon this unfrequented sea, At such an hour, that bark or boat should be But scarce is time for wonder or alarm, When a rough grasp is felt upon his arm. After a short resistance, vainly tried, He is by force secured on either side; And o'er the sand, and through the seething spray, He to a waiting boat is borne away. Six vigorous seamen ply their feath'ry oar, And promptly quit the fast receding shore. 'Mid shoal, and reef, and cliff where on the height Glows from its rocky point a beacon light. The offing gain'd now Philip can descry A vessel's rigging traced upon the sky. It is a small corvette, its canvas spread, There standing off with backen'd sail ahead. Soon alongside Philip the deck has gain'd, Bewilder'd--dumb--the mystery unexplain'd. And now "all hands aboard," and whistles sound, And all prepared as vessel outward bound. The wheel is manned--from shoals and shallow free, The topsail filled, the ship bea...