THE CHILDREN OF HENRY FIRST.
Light sped a bark from Gallia's strand
Across the azure main,
And on her deck a joyous band,
A proud and courtly train,
Surrounded Albion's princely heir
Who toward his realm returned,
And music's cheering strain was there,
And hearts with pleasure burned.
It was a fair and glorious sight
That gallant bark to see,
With floating streamers glittering bright
In pomp of chivalry:
The smooth sea kissed her as she flew,
The gentle gale impelled,
As if each crested billow knew
What wealth her bosom held.
But strangely o'er the summer sky
A sable cloud arose,
And hollow winds careering high
Rushed on like armed foes;
Loud thunders roll—wild tempests rave,
Red lightnings cleave the sky—
What is yon wreck amid the wave?
And whence that fearful cry?
