II.

Towards the cliff their steps are bending,
Westward turns their eager gaze,
Whence a stately ship ascending,
Slowly cleaves the golden haze.
Landward floats the apparition--
"Is it, CAN it be the same?"
Frantic cries of recognition
Shout a long-lost vessel's name!

III.

Years ago had she departed--
Castled poop and gilded stern;
Weeping women, broken-hearted,
Long had waited her return.
When the midnight sun wheeled downwards,
But to kiss the ocean's verge--
When the noonday sun, a moment
Peeped above the Wintry surge,

IV.

Childless mothers, orphaned daughters,
From the seaward-facing crag,
Vainly searched the vacant waters
For that unreturning flag!
But, suspense and tears are ended,