POEMS OF MNTUCKET. 
 
 1 kuo%v an isle, clasiied ia the .■•ea's strouu; ariii!*, 
 Sport of his rage and sharer of his dreams; 
 A barren spot to alien eyes it seems, 
 But for its own it wears unfading charms. 
 From Spring's first kiss to Autumn's last caress, 
 Gayly its moorlands bloom from strand to strand, 
 And many a favored nook by west winds fanned. 
 Holds flowers unmatched for tint and loveliness. 
 
 From "Cactus," by Emily S. Fouman 
 
 NANTUCKET : 
 PUBLISHKl) BY HENRY S. WYEH. 
 
 1888.
 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 From '"The Exiles" (John 6. Whittier) o 
 
 A Thousand Years Ago (Rev. Phebe A. Hanu/ord) 8 
 
 Nantucket Moors (Caroline Parker Hills) 11 
 
 Sonnets: Cactus, Beach-Plum, Hudsoxia, Puuplk Oeuardia 
 
 (Emily Shaio Formati) I'd 
 
 Alec. Dunham's Boat (Charles Henry Webb) 17 
 
 The House-top Walk (Charles L. Thompson) '.'0 
 
 The Eternal Atlantic (Rev. Phebe A. HanafonJ) 22 
 
 Sea :Mosses (Anna Gardner) 25 
 
 On the Passage of the Fifteenth Constitutional Amend- 
 ment (Anna Gardner) 27 
 
 Nantucket Surf-Side (Caroline Parker Hills) 30 
 
 When the Sea grew ^Yuitk (Arthur Elwell .Jenks) 32 
 
 " Round Cape Horn " (.S'. L.) 36 
 
 Tacking Ship Off Shore (Rev. W<dter Mitchell) 40 
 
 The Buoy-Bell (B. J. Lcedom) 44 
 
 Nantucket Cliff (Caroline Parker Hills) 47 
 
 A Picture (Anna C. Starbuck) 49 
 
 Sharing Foster's Fate (Anna C. Slarbn'^k) 52 
 
 M-OOSIAGHt (Martha H. Lambertoii) 54 
 
 The "School-House on the Hill" (Wm. HusseyMacy). . . 55 
 
 Anthem, Coffin Reunion (Elizabeth ,Starbti'k) 59 
 
 Acrostic, Coffin Reunion (M. F. Allen) 62 
 
 The Laws of Siasconset (Anonymous) 64 
 
 Lines at Leaving 'Sconset ( IT. C. Richards) 69 
 
 With a Nantucket Shell (Charles Henry Webb) 72 
 
 Meeting and Parting (Maria L. Omen) 72 
 
 76'i051
 
 * 
 
 i
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 FROM "THE EXILES," 1660.* 
 
 BY JOHN (}. WHITTIER. 
 
 n^IlEY passed the gray rocks of Cape Ann, 
 
 Aud Gloucester's harbor bar ; 
 The watch-fire of the garrison 
 Shone like a setting star. 
 
 How brightly broke the morning 
 
 On Massachusetts Bay ! 
 Blue wave, aud bright green island, 
 
 Rejoicing in the day. 
 
 On passed the bark in safety 
 
 Round isle and headland steep ; 
 No tempest broke above them. 
 
 No fog-cloud veiled the deep. 
 
 *B}' perniissioti of Ilonghtoii, MifHiti & Co.
 
 POEMS OF NANTl'CKI'rr. 
 
 Far round the bleak and stormy vnpo 
 The veut'rous Macey passed, 
 
 Aud on Nantucket's naked isle 
 Drew up his boat at last. 
 
 And how, in log-built cabin, 
 
 They braved the rough sea weather ; 
 And there, in peace and quietness, 
 
 Went down life's vale together. 
 
 How others drew around them. 
 
 Aud how their fishing sped. 
 Until to every wind of heaven 
 
 Nantucket's sails were spread. 
 
 How pale Want alternated 
 With Plenty's golden smile ; 
 
 Behold, is it not written 
 In the annals of the Isle ? 
 
 Aud yet that Isle remaineth 
 
 A refuge of the free, 
 As wheu true-hearted Macey 
 
 Beheld it from the sea.
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Free as the winds that wiunow 
 Her shrubless hills of saud, 
 
 Free as the waves that batter 
 Along her yielding land. 
 
 Than hers, at duty's suimuons, 
 No loftier spirit stirs, 
 
 Nor falls o'er human suffering 
 A readier tear than hers. 
 
 God bless tlie sea-beat island ! 
 
 And grant foreverniore 
 That charity and freedom dwell 
 
 As now, ui)on her shore !
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKF/r. 
 
 A THOUSAND YEARS AGO. 
 
 BY REV, PlIEBE A. HANAFORD. 
 
 ■pT LMOST a thousand years ago 
 ij&i rpj^g Norseman's ventnrous keel 
 Ploimlied from the icv-island bavs 
 
 And found, for woe or weal, 
 The land we call our native isle, 
 
 The harbors that we know ; 
 They looked upon Nantucket's shores 
 
 A thousand years ago. 
 
 Almost a thousand years ago, 
 
 AVhere now our steamer plies, 
 Waved in the breeze the yellow hair. 
 
 And gleamed the azure eves 
 Of those who won the Viking's fame 
 
 While sailing to and fro. 
 With steadfast scorn of hardships here, 
 
 A thousand years ago.
 
 rUE.MS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Almost a thousand years ago 
 
 Thev traced their waterv wav, 
 Far off beheld the island rise 
 
 From out the white-capped sea, 
 And watched the breakers, foaming, dash 
 
 Upon the shores we know, — 
 Those dauntless men of brave renown ! 
 
 A thousand years ago. 
 
 Almost a thousand vears ago 
 
 They saw the bluff" of sand. 
 Where now we see the beacon light 
 
 Far flash o'er sea and land. 
 They dreamed uot of the mighty march 
 
 Of mind and life we know, 
 Who read each page, unwritten then, 
 
 A thousand years ago. 
 
 Almost a thousand years ago, 
 Yet history tells, sublime. 
 
 The tale of old Nantucket's life 
 In tliat millennial time ;
 
 10 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Aud we who, on this distant day. 
 Are proud that tale to kuow, 
 
 Rejoice that hard}' voyagers came 
 A thousand years ago ! 
 
 New Haven, Conn., Nov. 1, 1887.
 
 POKMS OF NANTUCKET- j^ 
 
 NANTUCKET MOORS. 
 
 UV CAHULIXK rAlJKEK HIl.LS. 
 
 MERE are piues for perfume, 
 Golden-rods aud ferii ; 
 Briers, with tlieir berries, 
 
 That like the ruby buru ; 
 IMeadow larks for music, 
 
 Fluttering to their uest ; 
 'Mid the grass aud heatlier 
 Sit we iiere to rest. 
 
 Here are lakes for Ijrightuess, 
 
 Woudrous iu their hue ; 
 Fairy lakes sequestered, 
 
 With only me and you. 
 On the wing are sea-gulls ; 
 
 The hawk soars high for prey ; 
 In the sedgy hollows 
 
 Tlic marsh wren hides awav.
 
 12 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 You and I for coinrades, 
 
 On heath so weird and wild ; 
 Ocean billows surging, 
 
 Where sunset clouds are piled. 
 How each path enchanted 
 
 Woos us to return, 
 Scented with the brier 
 
 And perfumed with the fern ! 
 
 List the dwarf pine sighing. 
 
 Here the larks complain ! 
 'T is the hour of parting. 
 
 And parting means but pain. 
 Farewell, bird and blossom ! 
 
 Farewell, flower and vine ! 
 Ah ! what grief to sever 
 
 Such hearts as mine and thine !
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 13 
 
 SONNETS. 
 
 r.Y EMII.T SHAW FORJIAN. 
 
 CACTUS.* 
 
 (Prickly 1* e .\ u . ) 
 
 I KNOW an isle, clasped iu the sea's stroug arms, 
 
 Sport of his rage, aucl sharer of his dvoams ; 
 A barren spot to alien eyes it seems, 
 But for its own it wears unfading charms. 
 From Spring's first kiss to Autumn's last caress, 
 Gaj'ly its moorlands bloom from strand to strand, 
 And many a favored nook by west winds fanned 
 Holds flowers unmatched for tint and loveliness. 
 But most I mind me of a lonesome shore, 
 For countless gulls a harbor and freehold. 
 Where, like some shipwrecked buccaneer of old, 
 Cast on the sands, condemned to roam no more, 
 In spin}' armature secure and bold. 
 The Cactus lies at length, and guards its gold. 
 
 '^ Opuntia vulgaris reaches its farthest northern limit at Nantucket.
 
 14 POEMS OF NANTUCKpyr. 
 
 BEACH-PLUM. 
 
 ■pi;= IKE childhood's smile, half trusting, half afraid, 
 
 ■'^ A thought of vSpring steals o'er the landscape's face, 
 
 Told in the slender wind-flower's lissome grace, 
 
 Breathed from the Arbutus, that loves the shade, 
 
 Writ in the deep'ning blue of sea and sky. 
 
 And look ! where, whipt by winds from east and north. 
 
 The sturdy beach-plum puts her ])lossoms forth, — 
 
 A wonder of white beauty to the eye, 
 
 A sphinx half buried in the shifting sand. 
 
 I would thy pretty riddle I could guess. 
 
 Of prudent thrift that looks like lavishness. 
 
 Of Autumn fruitage in chill Springtime planned, 
 
 Or learn by what rare craft, what hidden hands, 
 
 Thou hoardest ruby wine from these salt sands.
 
 rOEMS OF NANTUCKET. 15 
 
 HUDSONIA. 
 
 MOT in the cloistered safety of the woods. 
 Where the fair firstlings of the Springtime hide ; 
 Not the gay, langhiug, dancing brook beside, 
 Nor in the hush of mountain solitudes, 
 Seek we for thee, O hardy pioneer ! 
 I'pou the barren, bleak, and wind-swept sand 
 Of sea-girt isles thv feet are set. Tliere. fanned 
 By breezes salt with spray, thou dost not feai- 
 To spread thy couch of velvet tapestr}-. 
 With golden flowers soon to be 'broidered o'er. 
 A new Canute, thou sittest on the shore, 
 Sending brave challenge to the mighty sea ; 
 While, far and near, as waiting thy command, 
 The glist'ning ranks of sturdy lieach-grass stand.
 
 16 rOEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 I 
 
 PURPLE GERARDLA.. 
 
 [^N that fair, dream}' border land, that lies 
 
 Between the glowing zone of Summer flowers, 
 Frail, fleet recorders of the summer hours, — 
 And Autumn's belt of gold and purple dyes. 
 O m}' Gerardia, thou reignest queen. 
 Tribute from both thou gatherest, I thinlc. 
 Since thy right royal robe of purple pink 
 Holds tints of Juue in its rich, rosy sheen. 
 Deepened with touch of Autumn hues to come. 
 So, too. a ijleasing sadness marks thv reign. 
 A Summer joy, dashed with presage of pain ; 
 For when o'er dale and down flushes thy l)loom, 
 AVe sadly smile, to think thy pretty bells 
 Must toll the d^'ing Summer's i)assing knells.
 
 i'OKMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 ALP:C. DUNHAM'S UOAT. 
 
 BY CHARLES HENUV WEBK. 
 
 niHERE she lies at her inoorings, 
 
 The little two-master, 
 Auswering not now 
 
 The call of disaster. 
 I^oose swings the rudder, 
 
 Unshipped the tiller — 
 Crossing the Bar so. 
 
 One sea would fdl her ! 
 
 Foresail and mainsail 
 
 In loose folds are lying ; 
 Naked the mast-heads — 
 
 No pennon flying ; 
 Sea-weed and wreck 
 
 Alike may drift past her ; 
 Here lies the pilot-boat — 
 
 Where is her master?
 
 18 POEMS OF NANTUCKET 
 
 Lauteru at Great Poiut, 
 
 Briolitlv it burns ; 
 Beacon ou Braut Point 
 
 The sional returns. 
 Far out to sea 
 
 Saukoiy flashes ; 
 White on the shore 
 
 The crested wave dashes. 
 
 Strident No'theaster 
 
 And smoky Sou'wester 
 Call for the pilot-boat, 
 
 Eager to test her. 
 And a ship on the Bar, 
 
 Just where the waves cast her ! 
 Moored lies the pilot-boat — 
 
 "Where is her master? 
 
 Oh, Ijark driving in. 
 
 God send that you lee get, 
 Past Tuckernuck shoals. 
 
 The reefs of Muskeget.
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 19 
 
 There go miuute-guus ; 
 
 Now faster and faster — 
 But 110 more to their aid 
 
 Flies the little two-master. 
 
 For the pilot one night 
 
 Left his boat as yon see her — 
 Light moored, that at signal 
 
 He read}' might free her. 
 But not from her moorings 
 
 Came the pilot to cast her, 
 Though a signal he answered — 
 
 One set by the Master. 
 
 Gone, say you, and whither? 
 
 Do yon ask me which way 
 Went good pilot as ever 
 
 Brought ship into bay ! 
 Who shall say how he cast off, 
 
 If to starl)oard or larboard? 
 But of one thing 1 'm sure — 
 
 The pilot's safe harbored ! 
 
 Nantucket, Dec. o, 1884.
 
 20 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 THE HOUSE-TOP WALK. 
 
 BY CHARLES L. THOMPSON. 
 
 UW"EATHER-STA1NED aud beaten and empty now, 
 ^^ The long, long vigil o'er ; 
 No longer the ships go out to sea. 
 
 And the watchers wait uo more ; 
 Sailors and watchers are resting now, 
 
 Some on this sandy lea, 
 And some with the sea-grass round them twined, 
 
 Are asleep in the wandering sea. 
 
 But it comes to me as I walk tlie street 
 
 Of the quaint, historic town, 
 A vision these scenes have looked upon 
 
 In the years so long agone, — 
 A vision of struggle with storm and tide. 
 
 By the Iwave ones, called to roam 
 On the wrathful way of the ocean wide ; 
 
 And a vision of love at home.
 
 POEMS OF ISANTUCKET. 
 
 On the house-top walk in the moruiuo- oiav 
 
 And yet in the deepening night, 
 They watch for the flash of a homeward sail, 
 
 Or the swing of a mast-head light. 
 It is morn again, and again 't is eve, 
 
 So the days drag one l\v one, 
 And the steadfast thing in the changeful scene 
 
 Is the love that will have its own. 
 
 So the hair grows gray, and the faces thin. 
 
 For the sea is empty still ; 
 And the lonely years will have their wav. 
 
 And God will have His will. 
 But the watch is o'er. "What matters now 
 
 Though the ships drift endlessly, 
 Though some are asleep in tlie graveyard there, 
 
 And some in the wanderino- sea? 
 
 21 
 
 o
 
 22 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 THE ETERNAL ATLANTIC. 
 
 BY REV. PHEBE A. IIANAFORD. 
 
 ^^HE sandy beach still stretches wide and far, 
 
 And, wondrous still, and free, 
 Outreaches to the dim horizon's verge 
 The vast and lonely sea. 
 
 White sails may dot its blue waves on those days 
 
 When all is calm and light ; 
 And white clouds in their spiral beauty rise 
 
 From steamers just in sight. 
 
 But by the starlight, and in moonlight hour'. 
 
 The ocean seems so lone. 
 The wide, vast, throbbing, and eternal sea — 
 
 Its voice become a moan. 
 
 Not so, when on the beach the bathers throng. 
 
 And strength and beauty lend 
 Their wide attraction to the healthful joy 
 
 In which the hour they spend.
 
 PUEMS OF NANTUCKET. 23 
 
 Then, with exultant boiiiul, the swimmer seeks 
 
 The bright, pulsating sea, 
 And on its buoyant waters calmly floats. 
 
 Or In-easts its billowy glee. 
 
 Changes may come ; old homesteads pass from those 
 
 Whose early days they blessed ; 
 And many a loved one soar from earthly paths 
 
 To share the heavenh^ rest. 
 
 But still the sea remains, and on its breast 
 
 The sunshine sparkles fair. 
 While happy children on its borders play, 
 
 And lovers wander there. 
 
 And when the moonbeams make their path of light 
 
 To touch the echoing shore, 
 Fond eves oaze on the glorious beautv there, 
 
 Nor heed the breakers' roar. 
 
 Forever, then, will mortal seek this isle. 
 
 Whose shores that ocean laves, 
 Upon whose bosom her brave sons were kings. 
 
 And in their realm no slaves.
 
 M POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Eternal waters ! lave those shores so clear, 
 And health and strength impart 
 
 To those who seek the peace that Nature gives 
 The true and noble heart. 
 
 New Haven, Conn.. Midsummer day, 1885.
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 25 
 
 SEA m()ssp:s. 
 
 BY AXNA GARDNER. 
 
 'W^F. tiuy wanderers of the trackless sea. 
 
 Ye rainbow-tiuted treasures of the deep. 
 Borne on the rising tide, how tranquilly 
 Ye rest on waves that ever landward sweep. 
 Or on old ocean's mane in joyous gambols leap ! 
 
 As on your vari-colored forms we gaze, 
 
 How busy fancy wakens sea dreams rare ! 
 
 All floating in imagination's haze 
 
 Are graceful mermaids twining flow'rets fair 
 
 With glit'ring shells and stones, to deck their golden liair 
 
 Piercing its cavern'd depths, ])old fancy's eye 
 Wanders along the sea's mosaic floor, 
 Studded with pearls and shells of richest dye, 
 With sparkling gems and ti'ophies scattered o'er. 
 Which to their ocean beds the native sea-nymphs bore.
 
 26 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Ye graceful types of treasures bright, concealed 
 
 In caverned chambers of the mighty deep, 
 
 In vasty solitudes, where, unrevealed 
 
 To mortal sight, fair nymphs their vigils keep 
 
 O'er many a form wreathed for its last, long sleep. 
 
 Symbols of thoughts in scattered fragments tossed 
 
 Upon the heaving surface of the mind. 
 
 From its profoundest depths unfathomed, lost 
 
 In an unbounded scope where, undefined. 
 
 In the mind's starry chambers, wisdom dwells enshrined.
 
 rOE.MS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 ON thp: passage of the constitutional 
 
 AMENDMENT. 
 
 BY ANNA GARDNKU. 
 
 JTTjiO-DAY God smiles upon our cause ; 
 
 The nation's heart beats high ! 
 To-da^", the heaven-defying laws 
 
 (Accursed) of slavery 
 Are blotted from our nation's i)age 
 
 By Freedom's royal hand, 
 While grateful, throbbmg hearts presage 
 
 Peace to our war-worn land. 
 
 The shackles from four million slaves 
 
 Fall, broken, to the ground ; 
 Our starry banner proudly waves, 
 
 Our bells exultant sound ; 
 From town to town, from sea to sea. 
 
 By lo^'al breezes fanned, 
 The joyous peal of liberty 
 
 Rings out through all the laud.
 
 28 POEMS OF NANTUCKE'J', 
 
 The freedmau, kneeling on the soil 
 
 Bedewed with tears and blood 
 Wrung out by unrequited toil. 
 
 Breaks forth in praise to God. 
 His long, long life of agony, 
 
 And concentrated wrong, 
 Exchanged for rapt'rous liberty, 
 
 Oh. raise the grateful song ! 
 
 Peal upon peal, let heartfelt thanks 
 
 Salute the ambient air ; 
 No chain throughout the South laud clanks, 
 
 No blood-stained scourge is there. 
 From north to south, from east to west, 
 
 Swell high the loud acclaim ! 
 Dark slavery's curse no more shall rest 
 
 Upon our nation's fame ! 
 
 Thank God ! our country now is free, 
 Redeemed from slavery's blight. 
 
 Ring out, joy bells, merrily. 
 Ring in an age of light.
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Tiiumphaut let the shout be lioaid. 
 
 "• Freedom for comino- years I " 
 While distant nations catch the word. 
 
 And echo back our cheers. 
 
 29
 
 30 rOEMS OF NANTUCKKT 
 
 NANTUCKET SURF-SIDE. 
 
 BY CAROLINE PARKLH HILLS. 
 
 VARYING coast, with smoothly shiuiug sand, 
 ^"^^ A surf that breaks in thunder on the shore, 
 Where Neptune's coursers, racing toward the land. 
 Wave their white manes amid the ocean's roar. 
 
 From far-off lauds what tidinofs brins; ve here. 
 Ye waves, that hither speed with giaut surge? 
 
 What vessel have ye wrecked, in wild career? 
 What tell ye of the stranded seaman's dirge ? 
 
 With shuddering crest of rainbow hues, erect. 
 Poised for an instant, chafing in mid-air, 
 
 A crash replies, and all the beach is flecked 
 With iridescent foam, spread like a snare ; 
 
 Or like the sparkling jewels of a crown 
 
 That some fair mermaid flings from pearly caves, 
 
 Herself safe hidden countless fathoms down, 
 The joyous plaything of the winds and waves.
 
 POEMS UF NANTUCKET. 31 
 
 What tales of l)uriecl treasure couklst thou tell, 
 
 Resistless sea, so mighty iii thy wrath ! 
 What cargoes of the Orient, with a knell 
 
 Of anguish, merged beneath the storm-king's path ! 
 
 On this lone cliff, that holds the floods at bay. 
 Perchance some youthful lovers ma}- have sate, 
 
 And watched the heaving billows fling their spray. 
 In golden moments snatched from bitter fate. 
 
 »^ 
 
 For he to distant shores has steered his bark, 
 While she is left, to count the lonely hours ; 
 
 To dream of him each day from dawn till dark, 
 And gather in life's thistles, not its flowers. 
 
 O sea ! forbear such faithful hearts to rend ! 
 
 Wreck not their hopes, thougli far the wand'rer roam ; 
 Ye watery sprites, to him your magic lend. 
 
 And waft him safelv to his island home.
 
 32 rOEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 WHEN THE SEA GREW WHITE. 
 
 IN THE GREAT GALE, OCT. 12, 1878. 
 BY ARTHUR ELWELL JENKS. 
 
 (^ WEETLY it rose o'er our Islaud town, 
 ^ The October moon ; while never a frown 
 Crossed the brow of the evening sky, 
 Or shadowed the dreadful storm so nigh ! 
 Bright and tender the white moonlight, 
 Who would have read one token of fright 
 In all the peace of that harvest scene ? 
 No prophecy, save of rest, I ween. 
 I heard not the whispers that shook the trees. 
 Nor heeded the dirge of the wailing breeze. 
 
 On gray old Sankoty's rugged height 
 The starry hosts seemed to smile that night ; 
 The sea below, in an undertone, 
 Lav chantins: its melodv, all alone.
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 I did not read iu the sea, or air, 
 
 Or in quivering leaflet, any^Yllere, 
 
 The mystic sign of the awful gale, 
 
 At thought of which my cheek turns pale ! 
 
 The harbor lights, and Great Point's eye. 
 
 With friendly glance, gleamed steadily, 
 
 And ever the bell-buoy rose and fell. 
 
 With the lazy dip of the ocean's swell. 
 
 From the blazing vines and scarlet heath, 
 
 AVhere mild October twines her wreath, 
 
 Came the breath of pine boughs, Autumn's tide 
 
 Of trailing glories — Nantucket's pride. 
 
 But something I saw, that crossed the moon, 
 
 Seemed an omen of storm which would startle me ssoon ; 
 
 For afar, iu his northern lair, there lay 
 
 A monster cloud, like a fiend at bay. 
 
 But why did I dread, as never before, 
 
 The sound of the weaves on the sullen shore? 
 
 I cannot tell. But I heard, alone, 
 
 The voice of a wrath I dared not own ; 
 
 And at morning's dawn I saw the sky 
 
 Look out with a wild anl threat'ning eye. 
 
 33
 
 34 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Over the harbor bar the spray 
 
 Bliudecl the mariner all that da}'. 
 
 And the rain came on, like the flood of old. 
 
 With the desolate moan of a wintry wold . 
 
 The roofs and towers of the ancient town 
 
 Grew black with the dark mist swooping down ; 
 
 All day it surged, like a tidal wave, 
 
 And the hearts of the people, so true and brave, 
 
 Beat quick with fear. Down came the night, 
 
 With never a star, and the sea was white I 
 
 O wives and mothers, so far away, 
 
 God temper the grief of this fatal day. 
 
 When the twain were drowned 'ueath the frowning bluff 
 
 Of Sankotv's headland — it was sad enouoh. 
 
 Where Muskeaet's channel cleaves its wav. 
 
 Just out of our Island's peaceful bay, 
 
 A captain's wife, himself and crew, 
 
 All lost, with the friendly laud in view. 
 
 Save one ; he survived, the tale to tell ; 
 
 (Thanksgiving for those who loved him well !) 
 
 But 'Scouset saw a cruel sight : 
 
 The mocking rage of the " Old Man's " might ;
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 35 
 
 8tood, aud beheld withiu their reach. 
 Be3-ond the surf of the long Low Beach, 
 A sinking vessel — " God pity the men I " 
 The terrible shoal devourino- them then. 
 Aud many a craft, with a tattered sail, 
 Went down in the merciless wave and aale : 
 And mauv a man was lost that uioht, 
 With never a star, when the sea i>rew white !
 
 36 I'UEMS OF xNTANTUCKKT. 
 
 "ROUND CAPE HORN." 
 
 S. L. 
 
 2|[1SK any question iu this town, 
 w Of any one, b\^ nigiit or morn, 
 The answer will be always found, 
 
 " Round Cape Horn." 
 
 1 ask the ladies where 1 call, 
 
 "Your husbands, are they here or gone? " 
 And get this answer from them all, — 
 
 " Round Cape Horn." 
 
 I asked a child I chanced to meet, 
 
 " AVhere is your pa, my dear, this morn?" 
 She answered with a smile most sweet, — 
 
 " Round Cape Horn." 
 
 1 asked a boy as on he skipped, 
 
 "Where now, my lad, at early dawn? " 
 He answered (for he then had shipped), — 
 
 " Round Cape Horn."
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 37 
 
 1 askfd au aged niau one day, 
 
 How time had passed since he was born. 
 " M}' Years," said he, " have passed away, 
 
 ' Round Cai)e Horn.'" 
 
 I asked a saik)r bound away, 
 
 Where 1 should write when he was gone. 
 He said without the k'ast delay, — 
 
 "Round Cape Horn." 
 
 I asked a nierehaul for a fee. 
 
 He turned and answered nie witli scorn, — 
 " My property is all at sea, 
 
 'Round Cape Horn.'" 
 
 I then to a mechanic went, 
 
 And he likewise bade me begone, 
 For all he had. and more, was sent 
 
 " Round Cape Horn." 
 
 1 asked a sister whom 1 saw, 
 
 Quite finely dressed in silks and lawn, 
 " Where 's your brother?" She answered, '' La ! 
 
 'Round Cape Horn.'"
 
 38 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 I asked a maideu by my side, 
 
 Who sighed and looked to me forlorn, 
 " "Where is your heart? " She quick replied, — 
 
 " Roimd Cape Horn." 
 
 I asked a widow why she cried, 
 As she sat lonely taking ou ; 
 She said her husband lately died, 
 
 "Round Cape Horn." 
 
 I asked a mother of the dead 
 
 From whom support she long had drawn, 
 •• Where did he die? " She merely said, — 
 
 '• Ronnd Cape Horn." 
 
 1 said, " I '11 let your fathers know," 
 
 To boys in mischief on the lawn ; 
 They all replied, •' Then you must go 
 
 ' Round Cape Horn.'" 
 
 I asked a loafer idling round, 
 
 If he would work ; when, with a yawn, 
 He answered, " No ! till I am bound 
 
 ' Round Cape Horn.' "
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 39 
 
 In fact, I asked a little boy, 
 
 If he eould tell where he was born ; 
 He answered with a mark of joy, 
 
 '' Round Cape Horn."* 
 
 There 's scarce a thing 1 chance to see 
 
 Ik-ought here, the Island to adorn, 
 But either was, or soon will l^e, 
 
 " Round Cajjc Horn." 
 
 Thus merchants, sailors, women, men, 
 
 The old, or children lately l)orn, 
 To all you ask, reply again, — 
 
 " Round Cape Horn." 
 
 Now you who know, an answer give, 
 
 Do I stay here, or am I gone? 
 Tell me if 1 do surely live 
 
 " Round Cape Horn." 
 
 * A fact.
 
 40 POEMS OF NANTUCKKT. 
 
 TACKING SHIP OFF SHORE. 
 
 BY REV. WALTER MITCHELL. 
 
 mHE weather leach of the topsail shivers, 
 
 '^ The 1)0W Hues strain, and the lee shrouds slacken, 
 The braces are taut and the lithe boom quivers. 
 
 And the waves with the coming squall-cloud blackeu. 
 
 Open one point on the weather bow 
 
 Is the lio-hthouse tall on Fire Island head ; 
 
 There 's a shade of doubt on the captain's brow. 
 And the pilot watches the heaving lead. 
 
 I stand at the wheel, and with eager eye 
 To sea, and to sky, and to shore I gaze. 
 
 Till the muttered order of " Full and by ! " 
 Is suddenly changed to " Full for stays ! " 
 
 The ship bends lower before the breeze. 
 As her broadside fair to the blast she lays : 
 
 And she swifter springs to the rising seas 
 As the pilot calls, " Stand by for stays ! "
 
 POEISIS OF NAXTUCKET. 41 
 
 It is silence all, as each in his place, 
 
 With the gathered coils in his hardened hands. 
 
 By tack and bow line, by sheet and brace, 
 Waiting- the watchword, impatient stands. 
 
 And the light on Fire Island head draws near, 
 
 As, trumpet-winged, the pilot's shout 
 From his post on the bowsprit's heel I hear, 
 
 AVith the welcome call of " Rkadv I Auolt !" 
 
 No time to spare I it is toucli-and-go. 
 
 And the captain growls, '• Dowx helm ! Haud down ! " 
 As my weight on the whirling spokes I throw. 
 
 While heaven grows black with the storm-cloud's frown. 
 
 High o'er the knight-heads flies the spray. 
 As we meet the shock of the plunging sea ; 
 
 And my shoulder stiff to the wheel I lay, 
 
 As I answer, " Ay, ay, sik ! IIarti a m:e ! " 
 
 With the swerving leap of a startled steed. 
 
 The ship flies fast in the eye of the wind, 
 The dangerous shoals on the lee recede, 
 
 And the headland white we liave left ])ehind.
 
 42 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 The topsails flutter, the jibs collapse, 
 
 And belly and tug at the groaning cleats ; 
 
 The spanker slaps and the mainsail flaps, 
 
 And thunders the order, '• Tacks and sheets ! " 
 
 'Mid the rattle of blocks and the tramp of the crew, 
 Hisses the rain of the rushing squall ; 
 
 The sails are aback from clew to clew, 
 
 And now is the moment for " Maixsail haul ! " 
 
 And the heavy yards, like a baby's toy, 
 By fifty strong arms are swiftly swung : 
 
 She holds her way, and I look with joy 
 
 For the first white spray o'er the bulwarks flung. 
 
 ■' Let go and haul ! " 't is the last command, 
 And the head-sails fill to the blast once more ; 
 
 Astern and to leeward lies the land. 
 
 With its breakers white on the shingly shore. 
 
 What matters the reef, or the rain, or the squall ? 
 
 I stead}' the helm for the open sea ; 
 The first mate clamors, " Belay there all ! " 
 
 And the captain's breath once more comes free.
 
 POEMS OK NANTl'CKET 
 
 43 
 
 And so off sliore let the good ship tly. 
 
 Little care I how the gusts may l)lo\v ; 
 111 my fo'castle bunk, in a jacket dry, 
 
 Kiuht bells have struck, and mv watch is heluw.
 
 44 rOEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 THE BUOY-BELL 
 
 BY B. J. I.KEDOIM. 
 
 ^^HE mouruful tone of the Buoy-Bell 
 
 Is sweeping across the wave ; 
 
 Like a solemn dirge, or a funeral knell 
 
 O'er some mariner's watery grave. 
 
 The sea-gull screams, as it circles around. 
 
 And poises in upper air, 
 As it lists to the clang of its doleful sound. 
 
 Like the w^ailing cry of despair. 
 
 And often at night, when the wdnd is low. 
 
 And the billows have ceased their roar. 
 The Buoy-Bell, rocking to and fro, 
 
 Is heard on the distant shore. 
 
 The mother aAvakes from her troubled sleep, 
 AYhen she hears it souud on the air ; 
 
 And fears for the loved ones far on the deep, 
 Whilst her thoughts are ascending in prayer
 
 rOE.MS OF NANTUCKET. 45 
 
 And the fond wife starts from her peaceful rest, 
 
 As she hears its midnight cry ; 
 And cUisps her babe more close to her lireast, 
 
 As its mournful song sweeps by. 
 
 'T is the Buoy-Bell ! 't is the Buoy-Bell 1 
 
 As it falls on the inariuer's ear, 
 Its rinoing tone in sweet accents tell 
 
 Of the home he is drawing near ; 
 
 And he pauses oft, in his lonely round, 
 When the bright stars gleam on high ; 
 
 ^Vnd firmly grasps his helm at the sound. 
 As his vessel glides safely by. 
 
 There 's a Buoy-Bell heard in every soul. 
 
 A warning that sounds within, 
 That will ever guide from the dangerous shoal. 
 
 And quicksand that covereth sin. 
 
 A still small voice in the cool of the day, 
 When the cares of the world are at rest, 
 
 If mortals would heed its pure, gentle sway. 
 Would lead to a haven of rest.
 
 46 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 There 's a Buo} -Bell souudiug in e\'ery lietirt ; 
 
 If we heeded its warniDg tone, 
 'T would lead us to choose that better part, 
 
 Aud commune with God alone. 
 
 'T is simply to trust in a Father's hand, 
 
 Who doeth all things well, 
 Who can safeh' guide to the promised land 
 
 By the inward Buov-Bell.
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 NANTUCKET CLIFF. 
 
 BY CAROLINB PAKKKK HILL^. 
 
 pTlGII ou a cliff, o'erlookiug land and sea, 
 ^^ A cottage, vine-clad, woos the summei' skies ; 
 The robins freely give their minstrelsy. 
 The meadow-lark from hidden covert Hies. 
 
 The hay-fields, ripening, waft their fragrant Itreath. 
 
 In verdant contrast with the sea's vast deep ; 
 And here the farmer gleans the after-math, 
 
 And there the white-sailed shallops glide or sleep. 
 
 How silver- toned the distant village bell. 
 That rings the matin and the vesper chime. 
 
 Like blissful dream, the lingering sounds that tell 
 The onward flight of swift eluding time. 
 
 O days s© brightly l)lest, so ample crowned ! 
 
 (.) nights, wheie ocean breezes blandly play ! 
 Could waj'-worn pilgrim better shrine have found 
 
 Than where the sea-tern takes iier devious wav?
 
 48 POEMS UF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Though storms ere long may dark above them lower, 
 Yet He who guides the bird through mist aud foam 
 
 Will not forget to shelter with His power 
 The happy dwellers in their island home.
 
 rOI-:.MS OF NANTUCKF/r. 
 
 49 
 
 A PICTURE. 
 
 KV ANNA C. STAKliUCK. 
 
 /|^VER the road to 'Scouset, 
 
 That dear old, sea-blown place. 
 The dream}^ fisher-hainlet, 
 
 Where smiles the ocean's face ; 
 ( )ver the road to 'Sconset 
 
 I 'm riding all alone ; 
 And the sunset's sweet reflections 
 
 A]-e warmly akin to my own. 
 
 Alone, save the grim old ilriver, 
 
 Who sits on the forward seat, 
 Lazily jerking his pony, 
 
 And leaving my silence complete. 
 I nestle far back in the corner. 
 
 Am reckoned asleep by his chart, 
 But 't is summer-tide over the moorland, 
 
 And summer is floodins; mv heart.
 
 .50 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Asleep ? I am reading the poem 
 
 That Nature is shimmering down ; 
 I am quaffing each delicate odor 
 
 That comes from the heather brown ; 
 I am answering the eves of the mosses 
 
 That peer with a welcoming grace 
 I'p from their sandy roadway. 
 
 In search of my happy face. 
 
 I am noting the stretch of the '' commons, 
 
 The prairie-like roll of the land : 
 I care not to number the mile-stones. 
 
 That flaunt me their faces so bland. 
 No monotone burdens the journey, 
 
 Each wheel turns a fresh internode, 
 For I love every inch of the distance, 
 
 Each sod and each rut of the road. 
 
 There 's a breath from the sea, a-quiver 
 With health and new guerdon of life ; 
 
 And my heart to the heart of the Giver 
 Is throbbing with gratitude, rife.
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 5X 
 
 So over the road to 'Sconset 
 
 I 'm riding all alone ; 
 And the sunset's sweet reflections 
 
 Are warmly akin to mv own.
 
 ;V2 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 SHARING FOSTER'S FATE. 
 
 liY AIsNA C. STAKBUCK. 
 
 /|\NK Christmas night — so runs the story old — 
 
 ^^ A sailor's wife sat list'niug to the roar 
 
 Of breakers, and the chafing of the wind 
 
 That creaked the hinges of her cottage door ; 
 
 And thinking of her husband far away, 
 
 Her simple heart grew anxious for its mate, 
 
 Till, conning o'er her early marriage vow 
 
 To share with him the suns and storms of fate. 
 
 Her reckless mind o'erleaped her reason's bounds ; 
 
 She tied a snowy kerchief on her head, 
 
 And, flinging wide the window's icy sash, 
 
 She leaned her feeble body out, and said : 
 
 " Dear Foster, it is stormy, cold, and late. 
 
 But here am I to share your cruel fate ! " 
 
 That very hour, beneath a southern sun, 
 Old Foster sat, contented with his life ;
 
 rOEMS 01- XAXTUCKET. 53 
 
 His selfish nature revelled iu the sceue. 
 
 Nor gave one thought unto his simple wife. 
 
 His taut old ship at anchor rose and fell, 
 
 Responsive to the surging of the tide : 
 
 While spic}^ odors from the ripening fruits 
 
 Mixed softly with the breeze on every side. 
 
 He pared an orange lazily, and said, 
 
 " Returning winds our waiting sails shall spread." 
 
 From this, methinks, a lesson may be borne : 
 
 What need to fret and fume away the hours? 
 
 For though the storm may fright us with its roar. 
 
 The choicest hidden blessings may be ours. 
 
 'T is weak to borrow trouble, and l)e led 
 
 By phantoms, since our Father 's overhead.
 
 54 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 MOONLIGHT. 
 
 BY MARTHA HUSSEY LAMBERTON. 
 
 21 CROSS the oceau streams a flood of light, 
 
 Huge waves, aglow with brightness, rise aud fall ; 
 A wondrous beauty clothes the peaceful night, 
 
 As soft the moonbeams glisten over all ; 
 From out the dark, where dashing breakers roar, 
 
 One silver path creeps downward to our feet ; 
 It sparkles, trembles, dimples to the shore. 
 And stretches far, where sky and wavelets meet. 
 
 Upon life's sea of surging human woes 
 
 A glory shines, though dark the night and drear ; 
 Before each soul a silver pathway glows — 
 
 A path of duty, radiant and clear. 
 We cannot see another's guide, nor view 
 
 The whole grand glory flash from shore to shore ; 
 One tender gleam shines ever calm and true. 
 
 And leads to rest and peace forevermore.
 
 POKMS OF NANTUCKET. 55 
 
 THE '^SCHOOL-HOUSE ON THE HILL." 
 
 l;V W.M. IIL-^SEV MACY. 
 
 fEAL loud the bell, and call the school together ! 
 yVe are but '• children of a larger growth," 
 Though now, matured, we range with longer tether, 
 
 Restraints and duties appertain to both 
 Childhood and manhood — parts of life's progression 
 Peal loud the bell ! the school 's agahi in session ! 
 
 And as we meet to-day, on classic ground, 
 To enjoy and celebrate our great Reunion, 
 
 To let the story, song, and jest go round. 
 
 To call up bN-gones, and, in glad communion. 
 
 To interchange experiences of life. 
 
 Of wanderings and trials, toil and strife, 
 
 Let us awhile, with retrospective view, 
 Go back to eighteen hundred thirty-eight, 
 
 When what is now the old school was the new. 
 Not having yet sent forth a graduate.
 
 56 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Impressed on mem'rv's page, we see it still, 
 The venerable " School-house on the Hill." 
 
 We see again each sturdy little " form," 
 Painted in ridicule of bird's-e^e maple, 
 
 The clumsy stoves, which failed to keep us warm, 
 The drinkiug-closet door, with hook and staple, 
 
 The little room, enclosing various matters. 
 
 Labelled conspicuously, "Apparatus." 
 
 The staring tigures, lilazoned on the seats. 
 The pegs for hats, numbered to correspond, 
 
 The bell-rope, leading down between its cleats, 
 The windows, looking on tlie " Lily Pond," 
 
 The maps, the black-boards fixed against the wall, 
 
 All rise )>efore us now, at mem'ry's call. 
 
 Then Father Pierce reigned over us, who seemed, 
 
 To us, a cyclopaedia of knowledge ; 
 Not less for humble piety esteemed 
 
 Thau for his stores of learniug, gained at college ; 
 "We think of him as teacher, guide, and pastor — 
 A faithful servant of the greater Master.
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 57 
 
 And after him, our veteran teacher, Morse. 
 
 Wh.o, more than others, made the school his own 
 Bv loner and arduous service in its cause, 
 
 Giving to it his spirit and his tone, 
 And grafting his own character upon us, — 
 He lives to-day to wear his well-earned honors. 
 
 The pupils of the old school on the hill 
 
 Are scattered broadcist — some have passed away ; 
 But others, spared to do it honor still, 
 
 May, with their children, gather here to-day : 
 Two 2;eneratious. wins: with each other 
 In love and tribute to their one Fair Mother. 
 
 A fine new school-house has usurped the old ; 
 
 Yet " on the Hill " it stands, a beacon light, 
 Shedding its rays, more precious far than gold. 
 
 And younger pupils now may claim the right 
 To pen its later hist'ry, and to tell 
 How other teachers labored, and how well. 
 
 Let then the new-made High School graduate 
 
 Take up the Book of Chronicles anew, 
 
 As we about the old school love to prate, 
 
 . So let the voung- Alumni sing the nen-.
 
 r)8 rOEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 One theme may both inspu'e : it stauds there still, 
 Ever the same — the " School-house ou the Hill." 
 
 Long may it stand ! its " shadow ne'er grow less" ! 
 
 Our children, and our children's children may, 
 In years to come, rejoice in its success, 
 
 And sing its praises ; let us ever pray 
 For blessings on it, and, with hearty will, 
 Cherish for ave the " School-house on the Hill."
 
 POHMS OF XAMITKET. 59 
 
 REUNION ANTHEM. 
 
 Ant, " America.'' 
 BY MKS. ELIZABETH STARBUCK. 
 
 vUR native Isle ! of thee 
 With voices loud and free, 
 
 Praises we '11 slug ; 
 Let children's children come 
 To their ancestral home, 
 Wreathed by the deep sea's foam, 
 
 And tribute bring ! 
 
 Our fathers bless'd thy soil ; 
 Those hardy sons of toil 
 
 Found refuge here 
 Upon thine unbroke sod, 
 F^rom persecution's rod 
 That bath'd the earth in blood, 
 
 The heart in fear.
 
 60 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Their lioht as diff'riusr star 
 Shiueth, still gleams afar 
 
 To guide us on ; 
 In learning's sacred bower 
 It glads with magic power, 
 And youth's gay, sunny hour 
 
 Is rife with song. 
 
 Bright, golden skies are thine, 
 Rich flowers, the clust'riug vine. 
 
 The outstretch'd plain ; 
 Thy waters murmuring low, 
 Or surging as they flow 
 Wild waves in grandeur go, 
 
 And loud refrain. 
 
 Welcome, ye kinsmen dear ! 
 Welcome, thou stranger here 
 
 Within our gates ! 
 Ye cherished, absent ones ! 
 As shade of sadness comes 
 Love hears your echoing tones. 
 
 Your presence waits.
 
 POEMS OF NA>;TL'C1vET. 61 
 
 111 this coinuninion sweet 
 Hands clasp ; hearts are replete 
 
 With joY — with pain ; 
 Our lov'd, with voices hush'd, 
 Strengthen faith in the trust, 
 " That somewhere meet we must " 
 
 And live again. 
 
 Ciood bve I ve loving hearts 
 
 •■1. o 
 
 Good bye ! the tear-drop starts 
 
 To sa}' good bye ! 
 The mem'ries of the day 
 Shall linger 'round our way 
 Long after we shall say 
 
 (lood bye ! good bye !
 
 62 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 TRISTRAM AND DIONIS COFFIN, NANTUCKET. 
 
 An Acrostic. A visit (in imagination) to Portledge Manor. 
 BY M. F. ALLEN. 
 
 jT^O WARDS Devonshire I turn mv feet, 
 ^ Resolved the ancestral home to see. 
 In hopes some kinsman there to meet, 
 
 Some scion of our ancient tree. 
 The hearty welcome there I met 
 
 Revived my heart, my strength renewed ; 
 And time shall cease ere I forget 
 
 My joy as I the prospect viewed. 
 As Portledge Place before me stood, 
 
 No language can my thoughts convey ; 
 Diversified by hill and wood, 
 
 Down to the sea it stretched away. 
 I walked in paths our fathers trod. 
 
 O'er verdant fields and flowery meads, 
 'Neath forest shades I pressed the sod, 
 
 I wandered where each pathway leads. 
 Statelv and orand lie fore me rose
 
 POEiMS OF NANTUCKET. 63 
 
 Clau Cotliu's old ancestral home , 
 Our aucestors, iu calm repose, 
 
 For years have slumbered in the tomb. 
 Forgotten though their names on earth. 
 
 In deeds their memory still survives ; 
 Nantucket knows their honest worth, 
 
 Now meets to eulogize their lives. 
 Assembled here a cultured crowd. 
 
 No slander shall their lives defame : 
 "The Coffins fractious, noisy, loud," 
 
 Untruthfid libel ! we proclaim. 
 Clau Coffin has, through every age, 
 
 Kindh' and true and faithful been. 
 Earnest and discreet, courageous, sage — 
 
 This tribute to their lives we bring.
 
 Oi POEMS OF nantucki*:t. 
 
 THE LAWS OP^ SIASCONSET. 
 
 A ballad proposed with a pipe of tobacco, as au evening's amusement to tisher- 
 inen. To the true Republicans of Siasconset, and to all who wish well to the 
 cause of simplicity and plain dealing in society, one with another (which charac- 
 terized the golden age of the ancients), this humble tribute is respectfully 
 inscribed 
 
 r.Y PHILO-SIMPLICITAS. 
 
 T'^^IDE in the East, on Nancy's Isle, 
 Where roars the white surf louder, 
 Ascends to view the happy vill, 
 
 For freedom famed, and chowder. 
 Fresh from the wave the}' take the cod. 
 
 To feast the soul that wants it ; 
 Its air is pure, its water good, 
 
 Its name is Siasconset. 
 
 Old Saturn's reign is here begun. 
 The Orient of the nations ; 
 
 Here kings and compliments are done, 
 And all your Boston fashions.
 
 P()E.M8 Oi- NANTUCKET. 55 
 
 The soug, the jest, tlie .siiiile serene 
 
 Amuse the fiieiul that haunts it ; 
 Here old shnplicitv is seen, 
 
 111 ancient dress, at 'Sconset. 
 
 Its pump the lynii)li oblivious pours, 
 
 To drown despite and treason ; 
 Its purer air at once restores 
 
 To liberty and reason. 
 When erring virtue asks excuse, 
 
 'T is free good-natin-e grants it. 
 And that which else would be abuse 
 
 Is wink'd bv laws of 'Scouset. 
 
 And should your fault incur a i-rudo-e. 
 
 Our court you must attend, sir; 
 Your Speaker's Conscience; Reason. Jiiilge 
 
 Your Jury is a friend, sir. 
 This court guards well our tlearest rights, 
 
 And when tlie country owns it, 
 Lawyei's will starve witli all their wits. 
 
 And curse the laws of 'Sconset.
 
 66 rOEMS OF ^'ANTUCKET. 
 
 Hviiciu here her icii'u resumes, 
 
 The hyp'd and crazy healing, 
 Restores okl wounds, dispels the glooms, 
 
 And brings the callous feelings. 
 Then let religious maniacs prate, 
 
 And on the treaty bounce it. 
 Here invalids in chnrcli and state 
 
 Are all made whole at 'Sconset. 
 
 The mind with priestcraft long l)eguiled 
 
 May choose, with freedom handy. 
 Good Moses with the Spirit lill'd, 
 
 Or Thomas Paine with brandy. 
 And thus will I, though pope and sect, 
 
 With bulls and zeal denounce it ; 
 My reason 's mine to think and act, 
 
 Lilve tliee, friend Siasconset. 
 
 The souls of once too rude a form 
 Receive a softer moulding ; 
 
 Here Jacobins forget to storm, 
 
 And wives leave off their scolding.
 
 roi::\is of xaxtfpket. 
 
 The wioht in town, who swells with jiridi'. 
 
 Or like Clesippns vnnnts it, 
 The paltry coxcomb lays aside. 
 
 And wears the man at 'Scouset 
 
 Should party zeal the hosoin rile, 
 
 "T is here nor felt nor seen, sir. 
 For chowder well coi-rects tiie l)ile, 
 
 And dissipates the spleen, sir. 
 Then, when with P.**k Ihe wild heart swells. 
 
 Some genius l)ids renounce it, 
 For no reyenge nor malice dwells 
 
 Witli thee, () Siasconset. 
 
 Now, let the fair one share her part. 
 
 Sweet yillage, in thy candor. 
 Safe to disclose her feeling heart. 
 
 Nor fear the scorpion, slander. 
 Thus the fond maid shall find excuse. 
 
 If first she makes the onset ; 
 Her soul's elect her hand may choose 
 
 I>y laws of Siasconset. 
 
 67
 
 m POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 Nliouki polygons and catspaws ask 
 
 My judgment of the Yi'lence, 
 This law I'll claim to wear the mask, 
 
 And answer them in silence. 
 Thrice happy vill, extend thy reign, 
 
 Till every nation owns it ; 
 Thus shall the woi-hl its glory gain 
 
 Benentli thv laws. O 'Sconset.
 
 I'UKMS OV NANTUCKET. 
 
 6y 
 
 AT SCONSET, ON LEAVING. 
 
 BY WILLIAM C. UlCHAUDS. 
 
 /^OULD ye InU know, yo jealous mists that twiiio 
 
 Your silvery scarfs around tlie sun and sea 
 To bide one long-, last glimpse of botli from me. 
 With what rare splendor sea and sun would shine 
 Through your rent veils, O vision half divine, 
 In filmy shreds and tatters, ye vrould Hee, 
 Intoxicate with new-horn vanity 
 Of conscious beauty in each fleeting line I 
 
 Then should I love your vapory forms of light. 
 Which now on 'Sconset's brow like shadows brood : 
 And vague and vain my straining glances make. 
 Avaunt, ye ghostly phantoms of the night ! 
 My chiding verse should bless ye, if ye would. 
 Ah, Benedicite 1 Your fli<rlit ve take I
 
 POEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 WITH A NANTUCKET SHELL.* 
 
 BY CHARLES HENRY WEBB. 
 
 Tf SEND thee a shell from tlie ocean beach ; 
 * But listen thou well, for mv shell hath speech. 
 Hold to thine ear, 
 And plain tlion 'It hear 
 Tales of ships 
 That were lost in the rips. 
 Or that sunk on shoals 
 Where the l^ell-buo}' tolls, 
 And ever nnd ever its iron tongue rolls 
 111 a ceaseless lament for the poor lost souls. 
 
 And a song of the sea 
 Has my shell for thee ; 
 The melody in it 
 Was hummed at Wauwinet, 
 And caught at Coatue 
 By the gull that flew 
 Outside to the ship with its perishing crew. 
 
 * By permission of Harper Bros.
 
 rOEMS f)F XANTUrKKT. 71 
 
 Bill Ihc wliito wings wave 
 Where none may save, 
 Ainl there 's never a stone to mark a liiave. 
 
 See ! its sad heart bleeds 
 
 For the sailor's needs ; 
 
 lUit it l)leeds again 
 
 For more mortal i)ain. 
 
 More sorrow and woi', 
 
 Than is theirs who go. 
 With sluuldering eyes and wliileiiing lips. 
 Down in the sea ou their shattered ships. 
 
 Thou fearest the sea? 
 
 Ah, a tyrant is he — 
 A tyrant as eruel as tyrant may be : 
 
 l)Ut though winds fierce blow. 
 
 And the rocks lie low. 
 
 And the coast be It v. 
 
 This J say to thee : 
 Of ("iiristian souls more have been wi-ceked on shore 
 
 Tiiaii evi'r were lost at sea. 
 
 Nantucket, Aug. i;>, 1881.
 
 I'OEMS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 MEET1N(; AND TAKTING. 
 
 in :\iAi;iA i.. owen. 
 
 KRDM THE (iEUJIAN OP LENA0. 
 
 Z^T«t4'?HKNE'ER she came, her form appeared to me 
 \^M/ Lovelv as the first "'reeu that veils the tree. 
 
 And when she spoke, seemed to mv heart her words 
 Sweet as the earliest song of woodland birds. 
 
 And when her gentle hand waved me adieu, 
 It seemed as if mv vouth's lust dream went too.
 
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