XXVI.

But soon, o’erpowered by numbers, their array Was beaten back--resistance now was vain. Submissively their arms were lowered away, And o’er their sorrowing breasts a captive chain Is gently flung: “Our battery soon shall reign “Triumphant here,” quoth Morton, “thanks to thee, “Sweet maiden.” Blanca smiled, and cried,--“For Spain!” Then to her bark once more she bounded free, And with her Nereids young thus sang and smote the sea:

The Oar-Song.

1.

Lean to your oars; Pull along cheerily; Ne’er let the shores Drag along drearily. Courts are but slavery, Grandeur is smoke; Our’s the true bravery; Bend to the stroke!

2.

See where the tide Sparkles phosphorical; Learning is pride, Science an oracle! While through the water we Dash with our stems, Royally scatter we Myriads of gems.

3.

Stoop with good will; Joyous our motion is. Breast with air fill; Sapphire-like Ocean is! Laugh at each lazy man, Keep the stroke--so; Poor lackadaisy man Never could row!

4.

Where is the joy Like the oar feathering? Where’s the alloy Tempests in weathering? Lash the spray, scattering Many a beam; While our oars clattering Flash through the stream!