John Marr and Other Poems by Herman Melville
page 48 of 138 (34%)
page 48 of 138 (34%)
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THE FIGURE-HEAD The _Charles-and-Emma_ seaward sped, (Named from the carven pair at prow,) He so smart, and a curly head, She tricked forth as a bride knows how: Pretty stem for the port, I trow! But iron-rust and alum-spray And chafing gear, and sun and dew Vexed this lad and lassie gay, Tears in their eyes, salt tears nor few; And the hug relaxed with the failing glue. But came in end a dismal night, With creaking beams and ribs that groan, A black lee-shore and waters white: Dropped on the reef, the pair lie prone: O, the breakers dance, but the winds they moan! THE GOOD CRAFT _SNOW BIRD_ Strenuous need that head-wind be |
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