X.

But brief their time for good or evil thought; The billows round the promontory brought The plash of hostile oars.--Alas! who made That sound a dread? All around them seemed arrayed Against them, save the bride of Toobonai: She, as she caught the first glimpse o'er the bay Of the armed boats, which hurried to complete The remnant's ruin with their flying feet,[fr] 220 Beckoned the natives round her to their prows, Embarked their guests and launched their light canoes; In one placed Christian and his comrades twain-- But she and Torquil must not part again. She fixed him in her own.--Away! away! They cleared the breakers, dart along the bay, And towards a group of islets, such as bear The sea-bird's nest and seal's surf-hollowed lair, They skim the blue tops of the billows; fast They flew, and fast their fierce pursuers chased. 230 They gain upon them--now they lose again,-- Again make way and menace o'er the main; And now the two canoes in chase divide, And follow different courses o'er the tide, To baffle the pursuit.--Away! away! As Life is on each paddle's flight to-day, And more than Life or lives to Neuha: Love Freights the frail bark and urges to the cove; And now the refuge and the foe are nigh-- Yet, yet a moment! Fly, thou light ark, fly! 240

CANTO THE FOURTH.