Page:Poems for the Sea.djvu/38

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34
POEMS FOR THE SEA.


Just at the far horizon's verge,
    A mountain mid the main,
As erst Philistia's giant tower'd
    O'er Israel's tented plain,[1]
While hoarsely o'er the wave, it seemed
    A threat of terror sped,
"Who thus, with foot of fire, hath dar'd
    My realm of frost to tread?"

Yet on, the gallant steam-ship press'd
    Her flaming heart beat high,
And boldly flow'd her fervid breath,
    In volumes o'er the sky,
Though gathering at their chieftain's nod
    A monster-train drew near,
With frowning helms, by Winter forg'd,
    In panoply severe.

Then, as the watchful stars looked down
    From their untroubled throne,
A rushing flood of crimson light
    Spread forth from zone to zone,—

  1. David and Goliath, 1 Samuel 17.