LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Tohcr^ Chap. Copyright No. Shelf..:q^.5.3S6» 4g17 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD an^ ®tber ipoems. BY HON. WIIvUAM ALLEN. ■ffn ^wo parts. Nashville, Tenn. : Publishing House of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Barbek & Smith, Agents. "897- _ . . j-p. „3 . TW0G^3fs!:^ Ht^:^-*-^ I^D /■ W-^tlH^e- "^^""V^ 20^5 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1897, By William Allen, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. PREFACE. These poems are presented to the public not with a view of challenging criticism, at least not that kind of criticism that falls afoul of every imperfection and affirms its condemnation regardless of general merit. If the author is a poet, if he has any gift as poet, it has but recently been discovered — accidental- ly so — in a friendly correspondence in which he was carica- tured in rime. This evoked from him a friendly reply; and since then, at odd times within the last two years, he has writ- ten this volume. Having been in the late war from first to last, either as sol- dier or chaplain, the author's heart was in the " Lost Cause." Thinking, after this drama was over, that perhaps he was on the wrong side, he made an exhaustive study of the forefa- thers, and through that study became thoroughly convinced that the South had the Federal Constitution on its side. Hence the "Southland Columbiad." The author desires fair play, and sees no reason why the name of the South should be odious in any quarter of the globe; nor why it should be held in execration for the course it pursued, and its honest, heroic vindication of constitutional principles. He hopes that the "Columbiad" will, in some de- gree, assist in maintaining the South's rightful standing in the eyes of all the world. Most of the other poems are in rime, and this will make them more pleasing to many. readers. The Author. X CONTENTS. Part I. page The Southland Columbiad 9 PART II. Other Poems 189 Smiles 193 Eve under the Tree of Forbidden Fruit 195 Helena, Napoleon's Grave 215 Poor Benjamin's Prayer 218 Seeing the Flowers Grow 222 Who Are Kings and Queens ? 224 Munsey — A Painting 227 Our Southern Lily Hands 229 Is There a God? 231 Man in the Image 234 To the Mother-Bird 236 The Young Mother's Lament 23S Avarice 241 Where Is Contentment Found? 244 How People See 2^9 The Mind of Ants. . . 251 The Orphan Boy 255 Winter 257 A Problem 258 The Discontented Boy 259 Wouldn't Pick Cotton 261 The Fall of Lee 263 Space 266 Uncle Phil Moss Visits the Old Homestead 270 The Flood 284 The Universal Voice 297 PART I. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. CHAPTER I. DRAMA of four years our thoughts engage 1 v. With scenes innumerable. A tale too long, If all the scenes were shown, or half the tale Were told, for one lifetime to pencil down. Four long, dreary years the drama lasted. While time moved slow, and crept as up some slope Whose rocks and steeps abated breath and action ; Such years, perhaps, as ne'er the world had seen. And such as God forbid shall come again. It is the tale of the Southland, whose sons, Like its tall pines, had tasted an upper air Where breathed a fragrant thought of liberty ; And on that lofty plain the hope indulged That not Juno, nor goddess less or greater. Would torment their country and chase them round. As did relentless Juno ancient Troy. But hope was vain ; and since thrice told's the tale^ And o'er the world thrice told the tale has gone. The Southland feels, is pained with added grief ; For much that's told is so unfair, her cause She would again espouse ; not with her sword, For long ensheathed her honored sword must rest ; Nor would she raise her voice through will corrupt To circulate her tale of wrongs and woes. Nor would charge crimes where they do not belong. She would that all the wrongs should be forgot, 10 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. That she and those she fought had thus agreed. But with her voice, whate'er the wreath she wears, She will deal fair, for truth always behaves ; Her heroes and truth occupy twin graves. If Mars has a weeping eye, though his tears May have been pent, restrained in all the past — If e'er he had been nigh to tears, these years Must have suffused his face, have satisfied His thirst for blood and tears, and made him bring That epoch in the world when gates of war. By his command, shall ne'er be found ajar. In writing this drama, not I the pen Doth move, nor I with will the pen doth hold ; But rather would cover o'er all the scenes, And hide them from the children then unborn, That other eyes than those who bore a part. And were actors in the dreadful fray. Might see no page that tells the tale of wrongs. Better by far the tale should be untold, And all lie hid, e'en the right with the wrong. But something moves the hand, and brings afresh Those sad, dark years we would were now forgot. Call it a Muse, or else ; whate'er the name. Charge all to it ; what's writ we shall disclaim. The gray-haired sires whose days had been pro- longed. Who ne'er had known to want, or felt a blast That chills, saw times they ne'er had thought or dreamed. And worse times grew, the less they said, till scarce A word they spoke. Deep-wrought hesitation Controlled their steps ; and voices, like their steps. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 11 Had ceased ere curtain fell and closed the scenes. Like gray-haired statues, struck not dead but dumb, They stood amazed at what the times had wrought — Dumb, since life and treasure had gone for naught. Gray-haired matrons stood beside gray-haired sires. Not as in youth, nor those marital days When the morning songs in the magnolias Were answered with the harp-string and the lute ; But with wondering look, as waiting Some fair speech or news or turn in events. Which would weaken the hand of Time, who wrought With rapid pace, and in his haste did touch The brow, and deeper, wider furrows made Than any age or country yet had known. They stood amazed, aghast, trembling, forlorn. The noon and evening news the same as morn. All were fond brothers once, both North and South ; Comrades in former war, where, side by side. Through smoke and death, they gained their first vic- tory. The world looked on, and saw the dreadful fray. As, side by side, with friendly aid they fought. Nor eyes withdrew till Briton's strength had waned, And all Columbian shores shouted triumph. The struggle made, the losses of life, and all The common ruin and desolation Which was the price that gave to freedom birth. Increased the faith that naught could ever break The brotherhood who, arm in arm, had battled. And when the victory came, and shores were clear. When Britons left, and Columbia was free. With heart in heart they raised a brother's shout ; 12 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. For they had gained, through a dreadful carnage, A great free land as common heritage. But rarest flowers oft have the tenderest blades. And sweet perfumes get mixed with bitter cups. Hence all rare tender things need guardian watch, Or else some evil tide may intervene. When rarest gems shall waste and go to naught. For once a brother stands no proof that ties Of fond affection shall forever last. Down his rapid slope Time leads to a bell. If love is not renewed each morning sun. That tolls the knell of fond old memories. When these grow dim and have a distant look They leave the world a meager chance to hold The love of to-day as strong on the morrow. Its decadence keeps pace with marching time, And time must stop or else the love will wane. Love's a thing renewed, or, if not renewed. Time will perform its last sad obsequies. But how renewed and how refreshed each day Is the great task, and shows how love is kept, How keeps its pace the morrow as to-day, Unchanged in evening and the morning gray. When passion is left free to rule the life, How oft the changes wrought in human thought Do bring a time that tries the strength of love. And make a harder task to guard its life Than the assent to open revolution. Than the consent to rupture, when the heart Is filled with hate, and anger glows with heat. Ofttimes the pain that's felt to guard friendship, And the sacrifice friendship oft demands. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 13 So strain the tensions that the soul is chilled. The cord, though strong, will break, as break it did ; For the exactions grew such a burden The South, though loath to take a step so dire, Chose secession to love embraced with chains. The step the South took showed a hand and heart. Displayed a thought and courage, such as when The fathers drove the Britons from their shores. And gained themselves names famous and renowned. If the South was wrong, the fathers were wrong. Charge crime on the South for the step she took. Pluck from her crown the right to love liberty, Rob her of the right that made her defense. Pull off her crown, and execrate her name ; Then turn the eyes, behold the fathers' heads : No honored chaplet wreath hangs o'er their brows. How bare their heads ! How lost to name and fame ! For scenes that followed, go ask the actors ; Go stand by the graves of the countless dead. Hallowed with good will and matchless valor ; Stir that sleeping dust, and ask the reason Why love that was so strong met with its death ; Why descendants of honored sires who loved Trampled the sacred threshold of friendship, And substituted hate for love, war for peace. Go to the sonless widows with aching hearts — If sorrow and tears have not found a grave — And hear the tale of the bereft, in more than Acadian accents, speak those dreadful times. But why repeat? Why doth the thought so long Brood over the wrongs the Southland suffered ? Why so long look back again on shadows. 14 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. Whence all else is gone except living signs, Which, as index fingers, will not decay ? Why look on these signs and on these shadows When every sign and shade doth stir again The memory that brings back the olden pain ? W^hy follow back this resounding echo To fields of carnage, aching hearts, and tears? To follow back is not the will ; had it The strength, it would roll back the evil tide Of memories which, the signs and shadows show. Would slay these signs and shadows, even as Southern heroes fell slain, nor leave a trace To follow back and see the blood again. But why talk of what is impossible? Can the husband forget his loving wife. Or the mother the suckling on her breast? Nature must change that these may be forgot ; Or else, as long as signs and shadows walk. They will be traced where more than shadows dwelt. As well to try estop the rolling spheres. Or try to snatch the man from off the moon. As to rid the mind of signs and shadows. Or check the piercing thought of tracing back. A stone is dead, and in itself inert ; And, while inert in all, not so with man : But like the stone, helpless, his thought runs back, His eyes behold the shadows and the signs, And then, inert, he follows back the way They point, and sees again the bloody fields ; Sees again the Southland in its struggle. Its marching soldiery, impoverished lands. And burnt cities ; sees again the stars and bars. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 15 Powder-burned, ball-rent, and weather-stained ; Sees all the sacrifice of home and life. Which, without strong faith and honest purpose Deeply implanted on the Southland side. Could not have been ; and in the end he sees The loss, the tears, the widows, and the graves. If they were all he sees, it could be borne. For honest hearts can bear all this and more ; But he sees his name, that sacred keystone Which is dearer than life, is placed beneath The slave, and kicked about and spit upon. Until he feels he's hated and outlawed. Without a country that is named his own ; Without rights except such as others give ; With naught around except a broken sword. On this he looks with fainting, bleeding heart ; His eyes then turn to other continents. If perchance on these or some far isle He may find air that's free, and have a chance To enjoy the liberty of one born free. CHAPTER II. IN the early spring, when nature assumes An air of triumph over a withered world, The Southland heroes fought their last battle. But no buds of spring, nor the flowers gay. Could have effect or raise their drooping spirits. In strange contrast faced they and spring. Nature, as if in sympathy, raised her hand Some cheer to give, and kindly her voice spake. But when hope and cheer have been left behind. And, hovering o'er, clouds of gloom are gathered. Words of cheer go for naught, and more than naught ; For life may pass a gate where nothing cheers. Then seers may speak and prophets foretell. And set in music every cheering bell ; And spring, to cheer, may add her charming flowers. Clothe the fields and all the woodland bowers ; Yet not these outward notes, though all combined. Can yield the cheer the day, the hour, demands When the soul contains its own auguries, And gets its cheer, if cheer at all can rise. Not from the things that laugh with hearts aglee. But from the things which speak grief and sorrow, For these, akin, do make the best company. When the Southland had fought its last battle. Since its courage and blood could not obtain The freedom for which the battles were fought. Confusion reigned mixed with disgust and tears. Standing alone in his thought, each soldier A conclusion reached, but not all the same. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 17 Remaining in the lost and wasted land, Where principles for which the war was made Could never more reign, was a doubtful course, A gruesome task, a course that some did shun. Nor was it less heroic to spin life's thread, As otherwise they did, than to remain. Southland eyes turned toward some other lands. Looked across the seas to isles far away. And hope indulged, if not an asylum Of liberty for which they yearned, that at least Some sacred spot might be gained, where the shades Of their ruined country would not intrude. Where these might not torment, harass the soul. The tale, what those endured who did return, Is long, nor will the pencil tell that tale. To tell the tale of those who fled away Would make in volumes e'en as those who fled. Only one shall be made to speak, and his voice. If found worthy, shall represent the whole. Captain Drake, who endured for his country Heat, cold, and a thousand dangers escaped. Care-worn and scarred, stood by a little ship. A few comrades who had borne the battle fray, Who for the South had battled all they could, Now by his side stood round and viewed the sea. And looked the captain in the eye, to know What was his mind, his thought, his purpose all. Determined to follow as once in battle. Few words were spoke, as by the briny shore They stood and gazed upon the little ship. The captain's eye seemed turned across the brine, As though he saw a land of milk and wine ; 2 18 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. But scarce a word he spoke, but orders gave To lade the ship with supplies abundant. The ship being laden as was commanded, The captain lay down on the Southland shore To rest and dream ; nor hoped another sleep Upon the land he loved, but the morrow To hoist sail in search of another shore. When morning came the sun smote the Southland With rarest beams. It was the Southland sun. Whatever else might escape the memory On the doubtful sea in life's wandering. That Southland sun, as it shone that morning, Did so impress, it could ne'er be forgotten. It would have held the ship fast moored to shore, For it did produce some hesitation. So strong its invitation to remain on land, So hard the task to bid the South farewell. But while it was kissing those Floridian shores It was smiting the hard-fought battle-fields. The graves on which so many tears were shed. The living and weeping, the penury and want, The whole field of Southland desolation. The captain took that sun as good omen. And, stepping from off the Southland shore. And standing aboard his little ship, said : " Comrades, friends, first of all I cross the line 'Tween that behind and that which lies beyond. Sometimes a sea is all that's left to man, And on its fair bosom man may be free. Its moving waters wash down all false lines And leave no chance a sign or post to plant As mark or line to bar the rights of man. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 19 The stubborn shores that break the rugged waves Plant their hills and cliffs of rocks as a bound, But leave the sea a heritage for all. I look across these deep briny waters, And while yonder brilliant sun doth look down And kiss the land and sea with rays resplendent. Though tears do consecrate these war-worn shores, I kiss that sea, I kiss its rugged wave. Kiss I this open way and friend of man. And shake parting hand with this Southland clime. " O'erthrown in war, I can not yield a slave ; Will not bear the taunts and jeers that follow When victors lose reason in shouts of triumph, A triumph dead to what the world has lost. Nor feels nor knows how long the time shall be Before the world again shall meet repairs. I will not bend the neck to bear the yoke. That fleeces life to pay the debts incurred Through war that overthrew the rights of man. I can not endure the land I once so lov'ed Unless lost hope should be regained, and light The heart again, forsooth, that by and by. The right spirit might seize the concpierors. When liberty, perchance, might rise again. " What a somber look all things do present? Where are the songs that once regaled our thoughts? Where and what that country so dearly loved? Where that sweet impulse, that in former days. Mixed with siren songs of Southland love, Tuned the heart and set its key beyond The afflictions which now this day encroach? Ready to sail, I look back on the graves 20 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. Of heroes slain, that monumental pile, That tells the tale of struggling liberty. " The world has oft gone wrong, and yet as oft Some guiding star hath led a meager few To seek a land and make it free, lest rights Should all be lost and the world left forlorn. Since now a glimmering hope leads the way. Is it not better far this to follow Than dwell on these shores, where the odds against Rule after their will and have no mercy? Better far to seize a glimmering hope And pursue, with chances as to results. Than hopeless, with chance among the victors ; At least, chances taken with light and shade, Are better far than when there's naught but shade. " Should no land be found, occupied and free. Where as welcome guests we may stay our feet, Or should no land be found, unoccupied. Where we might, in hope a colony plant. The sea is ours, and on its broad bosom We may follow the brightest star that guides Till Fortune, which doth not always forsake, Shall lead us to a port, or high sea friends, Who will rift the clouds that shall be hanging And bring to life again a joyous spirit. " Our choice is made, we leave to friends behind Good will and cheer ; such cheer as they may find Amidst the graves of slaughtered knights who fell For the Constitution their fathers made, And which they tried to keep with guardian care ; Such cheer as their moldering cities bring, The cheer that military camps uphold, THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 21 And all the cheer that's found in poverty, In usurpation and degradation. Naught else remains in all the Southland air To them who dwell and look and still remain ; They are the unfortunate of the times. " But time doth show her hand, as ages prove, When powdered dust doth gather in mountains. And arrogant mountains melt down to dust ; And time doth turn a wheel, the dust to raise, When vain arrogancy to dust returns. Trusting to Him who guides the stars in course. Who oft to weakness brings some healthful breeze, Almost in faith we leave such cheer behind ; If true, there's hope for the children's children. " Our ship standing here we name the ' Southland ; ' It is the christened name that she shall bear. Where'er she sails, upon her oaken walls The Southland name shall show, and while she lasts The Southland name and cause shall not be lost. She's built for the wave, the storm, built for time. How long she will ride the waves is unknown. What billowy heights and deep-cut channels Shall try her keel and shake her oaken frame ; What storms shall whistle and try her cordage, Or fiercely press her sails and strain her masts. Lies out on the paths her keel shall plow. A war-worn freight, with nerves that have been tried Bearing good will to mankind, form her crew." Ere Captain Drake had finished, his comrades. Twelve in number, went aboard waiting orders. In statue form a while the captain stood. As one in short hesitation doth stand, 22 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. Ere first step in some great undertaking ; Stood long enough to photograph his form, His eyes, his mien, on those who stood on shore ; Stood long enough for those on shore to see His height six feet, erect, skin blondo-brunette. Brown hair and blue eyes, large nose and broad chin. Twenty-five years of age and college bred. Without fear, a typical Southerner. At the word of command the sails unreel And catch the breeze and soon the Southland ship Began to leave, for long, the Southland shores. " Unreave, unreave, full sail ! " the captain cried ; " To the South Sea bend the prow. That sea, as yet Not full explored, may yield an island home, An island new, nor may it be too cold. Of such expanse in that unbounded waste, That ample room shall be to build a state On principles for which the Southland fought. Full sail, nor is the word a bantering cry, Nor doth with sea or wind or tide find fault. Nor doth it mean to haste our destiny. It's but the cry of that within which speaks, For man, when times extreme possess his soul. Finds help, nor should he question why or whence. Full sail, an all-helping Hand is in the cry, And though the South Sea may not yield the fruits On which a glimmering hope this hour is stayed, What of defeat? It's but the common lot. But why is defeat the common lot of man ? It must be so when numbers overwhelm. For this we learned in our Southland battles, Whence numbers drove us out upon the sea. It must be so when the all-higher Hand THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 23 Doth hedge the way with sword and cherubim. It must be so, though oft is hid from sight, When He who knows it all works with design ; Who thinks less upon an hour or one day, Than upon the compounded years, through which He sees, and brings to man the greatest good. But with such chance, this freedom of the sea. The hedgerows seem broken and gates seem open. Remains now only that we plow the sea, Plow it in calm and storm, by night and day. And with the rocking ship cast up the spray. Till that voice within crying ' Full sail,' Will bring some isle of refuge to the view, Or raise some friend in whom we'll find rescue." Each heart the captain cheered, and all the crew, Each at his post, full sail the " Southland " kept. It was the Southland ship in search of home ; In search of home in the far southern sea. With glimmering hope in that far region. That a Southland new, a peer of the old. With time to found and build would rise resplendent. It was a search for home, a land as once ; A clime in hope, like unto the Southland Where again the tall poplars would blossom And fragrant magnolias perfume the air. While the morning catbird, straining his throat With his best songs, wovdd cheer each rising day ; And the whippoorwill, the Southern curfew. Facing the arched twilight, would toll a note Through gathering shades of each day's departure, Where man might give his soul to God and time. Enwrapped, morn and eve, with Nature's melody. 24 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. On the Southland ship rode Sergeant McClure, As once with Semmes on the Alabama ; Tall and brave, calm in battle and full of hope. Lieutenant Starke, who at Fortress Monroe Rode on the " Virginia," that ship which sent down The " Congress " and " Cumberland," nor withdrew Until she had frightened the " Ericsson," Now rode the " Southland " in calm quietness, As though with sound of war unacquainted. Heroes all, their spurs had won ; Jameson, Ralston and Tom Gossom, Jones and Riley, Hill, Grace and Tilley, Robey and Wiley, Are names who the Southland cause espoused. And now aboard, bound for the southern sea. For days it was beautiful sail. The sun No clouds obscured. With good will shone the moon, And the stars in twinkling dance sang favor. Each rising day brought a new song of cheer And filled their hearts with seafaring melody. Captain Drake and his companions looked up And caught the humor of the sky, nor draped they Their thoughts with Southland shadows left behind, But talked of the South Sea, where dwelt their homes. There lay for them some island home or else. As sea of promise, some happy fate unknown. In this did all agree, to this consent. For auguries and voices did thus incline. But when the Southland ship had reached a line Where its noon-hour shadow reached to southward, Threatening cirrus tails the sky besprinkled. And dark banks veiled the horizon around. Under this cirrus sky, pent in by these banks. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 25 With her sails unpressed, the " Southland " rested, As though by some Plutonian skill or art The quiet zephyrs, with the fierce storm winds, Had fled, rebuked, to their ^^olian caves. As when in battle-line the South had stood On many a battle-field ere fray began. This hour, this calm, did token coming storm. Robey had oft been o'er the tropic sea. And on its bosom fought for Southland home ; Had seen its fogs and clouds, what winds had borne, And mingled with it all the tones of war. Now on the deck he calmly stood, and viewing The thickening cirrus tails and rising banks, While all the crew awaited for his speech. "A storm," said he, " is hovering round ; our ship Is central point, and like a Southland battle We shall be pressed, but like a Southland battle The first we'll gain ; and if not o'er and o'er. Like Southland battles which would never stop. Such storms repeated do not thickly come. We'll ride beyond these tails, beyond these banks, Until in view will come the southern sea." " Reef sail," cried Captain Drake. " Leave just enough To tack the storm. Lash ye each at his post. On mast, on yard, and in rigging high. With hands and limbs unlaced and free to act. For the ' Southland's ' in center of a storm Which soon will strike and with tremendous wail. My brave comrades " — But other words were vain. The storm had struck. Old Neptune sank below. 26 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. Nor dared such storm to brave. Darkness gathered. The day became a dreadful night that naught Did rend to show one star or streak of light. One continuous roar subdued the thunder's note. Electric light came and went in blinding play, And when gone left the darkness doubly thick. With reeling frame the " Southland " rode the sea With screeching cordage midst the whistling winds. For hours waves and spray washed the heroes' frames, While lashed each at his post, the ship to guide. For hours, with panting breath and dripping hair, They reached their arms the stays to hold. Nor yielded courage as they fought the storm. And while it blew no one a comrade saw, Nor voice was heard except the howling wind ; Yet each one, as though in dreadful battle. When the fate of all on him depended, Stood at his post to save the ship or die. And when the storm was gone there each one stood. And the day was gone, so long blew the storm ; But when unlaced from masts and rigging gear The comrades stood aboard the rocking ship. They combed their dripping locks 'neath smiling stars ; And while Captain Drake stood the ship to guard. They cast their weary frames on cots till day ; For the " Southland" bore well, nor lost a sail, Nor showed at any place a gaping wound. The crew refreshed, the morning cry, " Full sail," Rang on the air, and soon the Southland ship Steered, " full sail," toward the southern sea ; Nor e'er did stop through storm, or change her course. Until o'er southern seas her sails were spread. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 27 Thirty degrees east of Cape Horn, South Georgia, A land of small extent, far leeward rose. The name this island bore produced a pause : It had a name so dear, of Southland state, The hearts of all the crew ran out for it. And seemed that they would kiss its shores, its rocks, And all that it contained, so much they loved The name it bore ! So much fond affection. In the absence of the object dearly loved. Doth grasp a name, a painted form, a ring, A lock of hair, and all that lies between The heart that loves and objects far away. Had the breadth of this isle, from north to south, Been as much as the length, this land's extent Would have charmed the eyes, and the Southland ship Might long have paused, and, with crew debarked. Explored its hills and drank its limpid streams. E'en might have made South Georgia isle a home. The air was pure, but rather cold for those Who were not inured to temperature so low. Numerous birds of various tribes flocked its shores, Nor else was seen .that gave signs forbidding. Around this Georgian isle the " Southland " sailed, The coast surveyed ; and while her whited sheets, Puffed by the breeze, carried her on her course, The novel sight caught the eyes of fowl, And now and then from off their perch they came. Inspecting the Southland ship and her crew. The weak-winged penguins sat and croaked on shore ; Not penguins all, for other tribes of fowl. As winged messengers, came to know the wants 28 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. Of the " Southland," and whether friend or foe. Like couriers on guard, they came and went ; And when the "Southland" nearer the shore drew, Commotion rose, such as when liberty That has long been enjoyed is infringed. In their marshaling bands they flew and croaked. Ready their breasts to bare against the foe. And drive all trespassers away from home Ere liberty their fathers gave shall go for naught. " Look at these birds, comrades," said Captain Drake. All eyes gazed, saw the care the birds bestowed On natural rights, and what defense they made ; Saw how they watched, with what suspecting eye ; How far they flew at sight of threatening war. How placed their guards, and croaked the matter o'er ; Saw the commotion on South Georgia isle ; Saw what the winged jealous birds will do To guard their sacred rights, their liberty. " Look at these birds, comrades, look at these birds ! Whence came this love of home, this love of rocks, This jealous watch that guards these wave-dashed shores ? The Hand that formed these hills and set these bounds Held birds within his thought, and formed them so They love a field, a tree, or any place They call their home ; for home's a sacred spot, And thus it's felt by birds as well as man. " When first they came this isle to occupy An eagle might have put them all to flight. For then it was not home, but night's sojourn ; But now it's home — a home endeared by time — A home with ancient rights so long enjoyed THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 29 That now an eagle's fought ; nor will they yield Their island home until a struggle's made, And not even then unless hope is vanquished. " But eagles here may come and multiply Till home so loved by all these jealous tribes Shall be a land of war ; and then the weak, On whom nature bestowed no beak or claw To match the foe, must trust to wing and flight. And much like this is seen the tribes of men : The strong do occupy, the weak do fly. In equal match in war the right prevails ; For the patriotic hold the vantage-ground. Nor yield they will till yield they must through blood. But all's not equal war, as signs do show. For the strongest beak and the longest claw. Or heaviest guns and most numerous swords. Oft play a hand when the battle is joined In which the patriotic must yield or die." For six months the " Southland " had been to sea ; No news had heard : had reached a Southern line Where the winds in chilling accents revealed That little hope lay in the sea beyond. Though a continent might spread ample coast. It would be where poplars had never grown. Where no morning songsters could cheer the heart, And fragrant blossoms ne'er perfume the air ; A land too cold, not like the Southland clime. A council was called, and Captain Drake Sat as chairman. The chilly winds and cold breaths From off the waves made all the arguments. For they were now far south of Georgia's isle. The cold breaths would not cease. It was their sea. 30 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. Few words were spoken. " Guide ship to the east," Rang the captain's voice ; and soon the " Southland " Faced the morning sun, whose radiant beams Gave token that the heaven who rules will guide. The comrade crew caught the radiant spirit. And under that favoring sun, where naught But sea and wave and wind communed with them, They sent up three cheers for the Southland ship. For days they sailed under a sun and sky Which never hid their face behind the clouds, Nor gave a sign of ill that lay ahead. Riley stood on deck in majestic form, As once he stood a Southland warrior. Oft thvis he stood and gazed o'er the waters. There was a day that breathed a kindly air. When on the deck no breath did chill, and all This air embraced, and walked and stood together. Near to the captain Riley stood and gazed — Gazed as though he saw some distant object. Nor dared refrain his look, so fixed his eyes. "A ship, captain — a ship lies on our way." Riley said no more, but all intently gazed. The captain raised his glass, a moment looked. Then, turning his eyes on his comrades, said : "A pirate ship. Her gvms are turned this way. We have no guns, no strength to drive her off, No speed, no way by which we might escape. She's after gold, but this she can not get, For we are poor ; the pirate's out of luck. But then we'll meet as heroes met their foes. Each comrade will stand on deck undaunted. Stand as once he stood in Southland battle. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMEIAD. 31 Greatest strength does not always lie in guns, There's something in the looks of man that wins. The look has won battles ere they were fought ; It is this look the mastiff dog doth cower. The Southland battles have molded us men Whose looks can more than a mastiff subdue ; We'll trust to this, it is our greatest strength. Nor doth helpless courage e'en go for naught." A stream of white smoke from the pirate's bow Broke the captain's speech, and a whistling ball Struck the " Southland's " sail ; and soon the pirate Drew near, and her captain : " What ship be ye, And why stand ye thus unarmed and exposed, And at this hour why stand ye unalarmed? What race are ye, and whence this courage born? Why doth our ship and shot no nerves disturb ? Whence came your iron nerves and hearts of steel ? Are ye some sons of Mars who lost their arms, And now, condemned, doth roam a penal sea? Perceive ye not that we're a pirate band. That the boat we ride is a pirate ship ? Know ye not that pirates do live on blood ? Whence came ye, captain, and why on this sea?" Then Captain Drake : " This is the Southland ship : See thou her name upon her oaken walls ; Her crew that dares this sea, a Southland crew. Of the small remnant left we are a few Who dared the battles which the Southland fought. The odds we fought prevailed : our cause we lost. And now aboard this Southland ship we search This sea and ride these waves a land to find. 32 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. If such a shore some guiding star will show, Where we may found a state, and there maintain The Southland principles, the world to bless. The iron heel of force too much prevails. So much required force to uphold, that man, Who was born to be free, is made a slave. No, captain, no, we do not fear your guns ; To war's alarms we are long accustomed. Nor will we wince at smoke or sword or shell. We stand for right, from right we make appeal ; And though our voice may not be heard, we'll die Before in line with wrong we'll take a stand." The pirate captain : " Ho, ho ! I thus may guess You have heard ' Dixie Land,' your Southern air ; We sometimes play that air when sky is fair. It's fair with us to-day ; how's sky with you? Play, comrades ; play the air of ' Dixie Land.' The occasion has merit, some songs demand." The pirate band then played the " Dixie " air. The notes of horn and drum sang with the wave. And scarce the second chorus had reached when The Southland crew, thrilled by that Southland air. Joined their voices as once on Southern shores. The two captains stood with folded arms, each Aboard his ship, and smiled till song did end. And then the captain of the pirate ship : " We're not so bad in heart as some suppose ; In blood we take no pleasure, nor would shed One drop to see it run, nor make a wound That doth give pain, that man may writhe and groan. But we must live ; it is our trade, and man Wherever found gets his bread by his trade. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 33 The age doth not allow contrasts to make ; Should it do this, and yield a chance for words, We would show our trade in honor stands Not a whit behind the trade of legal theft. Nor doth one-half the pain and blood produce. But words are dead ; nor would I justify This trade of mine ; and yet would justify My pirate trade as soon as much that's done In every state, where nothing's said nor done. We show our hand and speak truth undisguised ; But they are false, the hidden hypocrite. " But then, O captain, we have a pirate law. That law's a sacred trust ; unobeyed is crime. The law is this : No lease of booty's given, Nor trust of life, except upon a vote. I know these comrades aboard my pirate. They've heard the news of the Southland's struggle, Its hard-fought battles and its streaming blood. And much they sympathized with ' Dixie Land,' Nor would they lift a hair of one who fought The right of man to gain. But then to prove Ye are the men who took a part, we'll hear No idle tale, but words that swear the truth ; If but these signal words the truth do swear, Your rights ye gain, untouched, this sea to roam. But bare your breasts and let them speak to us. If ye are Southland heroes as ye claim. Ye wear the marks that came of dreadful fray. Bare your breasts, this command ye must obey." The Southland crew looked with hearts revolting. Felt the old spirit rising for defense. Spake few words, but caught each other's thoughts 3 34 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. As eyes on eyes looked as fierce burning flames. They felt that before such disgrace would bear, They would meet their fate, die upon the spot. Captain Drake made protest with no avail. His eyes burned as fire. He stood as statue, And for a while would not move, least passion Would bring some hasty act, and cast the shame Of blood on a heart that dwelt in reason. All eyes turned toward Captain Drake, whose eyes Still burned as living coals, yet consulting In this fretful hour what course to pursue ; At last, though loath to speak his thought, said : " Comrades, form a line, this disgrace submit ; And while in heart we resent and condemn The force that comjDels us our breasts to bare, For these sacred scars of the Southland cause Are ours, and not for trade or public gaze ; Yet submit, and let that pirate captain Enjoy the sight, and then feel self -condemned." The line was formed, and there, with breasts exposed, Stood Captain Drake and all his Southland crew, Each breast had been torn by sword or ball. And some with scars so thick the wonder rose Why these men had survived, were yet alive, Why such heroes had lost the Southland cause. The pirate captain and crew gazed not long. No word was spoken, no vote was taken. It was enough. The pirate captain cried : " Three cheers for the Southland and the Southland ship ! " And three cheers rang across the ocean wave. A salute of three guns shook the waters round, . THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 35 And while the pirate band played " Dixie Land " The pirate captain waved adieu, and left The Southland crew, insulted for the wound That made them bare their breasts to pirate -gaze. To breath free air and roam the sea again. As the pirate sails receded silence reigned Aboard the Southland ship. No one a thought Could frame, or word of cheer, to pacify. They seemed to wait on time to yield its help, Such help as would, in some degree, assuage Distressing pains the pirate captain wrought. For the hour e'en Captain Drake spoke no word, Not e'en an order gave to move the ship. All eyes still burned at thought of the disgrace, Disgrace deep-felt, that clung, would not escape. They bent their eyes the way the " Pirate " went, And as they looked swore eternal hatred Against the band that brought a keener pain Than e'er they felt when Southland cause was lost ; Not pain so broad, nor bore with weight as that, For that involved a country and its people. And spread their future years in hopeless toil; But pain that cut their hearts with keener edge Because their naked frames were held exposed. When in the distance now far receded The pirate's hated sheets grew faint and dim. The Southland crew turned eyes on Captain Drake, He caught their thought, and thus to them he spake : " Sometimes upon life's sea we meet events That for the hour bring fierce pain and w^orry ; Hard to endure, and yet they must be borne. Our future years are hid, not yet explained. 36 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. Some star doth lead, above its guiding hand. We may mistake in what we do, yet He Who knows it all, since we by him are watched, May have a hand in that which brought our pain. Broad as this sea and as yon azure sky Is His helping hand and His watchful eye. Why that pirate rode here upon this sea. Where business is scarce, as all of us see, Awakes a thought that there is in reserve, A hand deep hidden and that will preserve ; Doth now impress that the voice we heard. Still lingers round and hath not disappeared. Things of future days undiscovered lie ; For these we toil in hope, and groan and sigh ; Yet not this hour, but when those days have come, Whate'er the seas we ride or paths we roam, A better thought will come, and will explain What good was hid in things where we feel pain. Oft the cups we drink, cups that are compelled, Do lead the way where Marahs are dispelled. In bitter cups, though hard the draughts to drink, Some Providence doth dwell, that leads to brink Where ample pay returns for all endured ; When that day comes we then shall feel assured." CHAPTER III. --~JT LMOST two years the Southland ship had been X 1. A lone wanderer ; and many a risk had run, And seemed her peril ne'er would have an end. The friendly stars themselves would sometimes frown And hide their light behind dark, fearful clouds. Which, swept by dreadful winds across the sea. Oft left the ship to groan in darkness and storm — Darkness sometimes so thick it could be felt. But oft as cordage broke or sail was rent, The crew a hand applied, and held it fast Till tied again the ship to guide amain. And oft such deeds were done in midst of storm. Yet no land was found on which to found a state. Nor need a wonder rise or thought evoke. That men endured such toils and never groaned In all the task through dangers undergone. Frames not long accustomed to toil and pain, Nerves that would shake when danger gives alarm. And those who bear their cares with fainting heart Would have yielded, nor half such perils borne. But heroes who fought for Southland cause Such task could well assume, and never wince, As wince they never did through all the toils Which four years bore, ere the last shot was fired And the Southland in smoking ruin lay. At last the world awoke as from a dream ; The Southland ship, its fate, was in its thought. Whether yet it rode upon the ocean wave, 38 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. What sea it rode, what land as yet had found ; The health of crew, or what distress was in ; Or if beneath the wave the ship had gone, What spot on the wide extent marked the place. What isle with weejDing hill beheld the scene. What denizen of the sea could tell the tale. Or keg afloat some sacred parchment held ; What trace was left and all that could be known. The world with thought awoke, desired to know. When ships engaged in trade met on the sea. They ne'er forgot to ask what news each bore Of Captain Drake and of the Southland crew ; And when at port arrived, the Southland ship Was first on tongue. From land to ship, and then From ship to land, the news was frequent asked. E'en brave captains aboard strong men-of-war. Whose hearts admired courage wherever found, Talked of Captain Drake, of the Southland crew. E'en guessed what fate that ship and crew had met. E'en royal blood, whose heads are crowned to rule. Viceroys, high presidents, and governors. For as the sunrise Mikado kingdom. Spoke of Captain Drake and the Southland ship ; Had learned the names of all that famous crew, What deeds they had dared and what battles fought ; Nor were they deaf to news, but asked in hope Each traveler of the sea if he could give A word or hint what sea the captain rode. Reporters to the gaping press hailed ships Ere they had gained the ports or anchor cast. And first of all they asked what news from Drake. But when no news they then to fable turned, THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 39 And filled the press with such alarming tales Of sea disaster and death so horrid As made the nerves of some with palsy shake. The press was surcharged with these awful tales, Tales of pirates stabbing helpless victims, Tales of cannibals roasting hxnnan flesh. Of sea monsters that had devoured the crew, Of shipwreck and slow death on lonely rocks. Cunning wits helped reporters make these tales Till so massive grew the contradictions That people denounced them fabrications. And said that Captain Drake was still alive. Among these was heard on Corsican Isle A voice that spake in friendly terms, and claimed That Captain Drake and ship were yet afloat. The voice heard was that of Count Galestein, A count of wealth and sympathizing heart ; In whose veins run trace of Lafayette blood And on the Polish side Pulaskin trace. As blood will tell nor covenant forget, Galestein, with large sympathizing heart. Looked on the oppressed, who had struggled hard Their liberty to gain, but yet had lost. But as he could not do as Lafayette did, Nor as the Pole who was a soldier schooled, Who with friendly aid helped freedom's battle. Yet in this hour could help the wandering crew, Who were seeking a land to found a state. And this with shijD and treasure proposed to do. At Ajaccio the count a captain met, A captain brave, and one who owned a ship. And to that captain thus he made an address : "Ajaccio is a noted place. It was here. 40 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. And just about one hundred years ago, Great Napoleon lay in his mother's arms, Was seen by people of this port and town ; In this town was born that mighty chieftain. Hath not the time approached when Ajaccio Should wake and shake herself from idle ways And do some deed that will uphold her name ? Napoleon's birth is now an ancient mark, And doth with distant time look meek and dim. Why not some other deed, lest Ajaccio Shall lose her fame and then her name go down. And now, since time hath rolled a century forth, It seems a new epoch is ushering in. And that it should be marked, as marked it ought. With celebration due Napoleon's name. I propose a work, a work not for fame, But for the common good, the help of man ; If fame it brings, let fame be conjoined. Hast not thou heard of the famous ' Southland,' The ship that bears Captain Drake and his crew, Whose names, both as chieftain and as comrades. Are now the common talk? Two years are gone. And no news hath been heard. They seek a land To found a state, a state that love conjoins. In view of their courage and probity. The good intent they have to found a state, In view of dreadful war they each endured. The battles fought and yet their cause not won. Their scars and perils now undergoing. If earth presents no land unoccupied. The sea itself should mildly give a place And spread a continent to rest their feet. So much is due when man presumes to judge. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 41 " But then the sea is not supposed to yawn, And stand in walls a continent to form, Not e'en for heroes such as Drake and crew. Yet some high hand directs that state to found, Or else reserves for all the Southland crew, And for all comrades whom they would befriend. Some way of life that brings an end to toils. And now, high captain, in hope I propose That you do go in search of Captain Drake ; That you do ride the sea till him you find. You'll bear him word, I think, which he will hear. And haste to come with you to Ajaccio. Take this letter. In it my words are writ. Give it to him, and he will think it o'er. And then with you will come to Ajaccio." Not many days elapsed ere Captain Wyck, A man of kindred blood to Captain Semmes — That Raphael Semmes of "Alabama" fame — Sailed out the port of Ajaccio, in search Of the Southland ship, never to return Till he should find that ship, or bring the news What fate Captain Drake and his crew had met. Three months had sailed and searched, when a lone isle. Far southward and of small compass, they found. And on that isle a man in great distress. He waved a signal call to Captain Wyck ; A boat was launched, and he was brought on board. Then Captain Wyck : " How came you here, my man ? Why wear you rags, and why in such distress? Art thou the only one that's left to tell The tale of the Southland ship? All the tale 42 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. Of things endured, and where the ship went down ? Art thou the only one that's left, a man Whom Providence hath kept to tell the world Last news of Captain Drake and the " Southland? " Art thou Ralston, Gossom, Hill, Grace, or Jones? Or brave Jameson? What one of the crew? Speak, hero, and tell us which one thou art ? And then while we weep tell the tragic scene, And though we lament and groan, tell it all." The man : " I am not Ralston, Hill, or Grace, Nor any one of the brave Southland crew. My name is Karnes, and once a ship I rode, A pirate ship that meant no good to man. And once our pirate met the Southland ship ; But when I saw those brave heroes, and learned What they endured for a cause that was just. And saw their scars exposed to satisfy Our rash captain and all the pirate crew, That they indeed had fought for the Southland, My heart began to faint, and I was grieved. From that hour I found fault with pirate trade. Because I spoke my mind, it gave offense, Was tried as pirates try a man, and then Was cast into the sea and left to die. By chance I met a drifting spar some ship Had lost in wreck. I rode that drifting log Till suns had rose and set. At last I found A little port midst rocks and rolling waves. Hence on this isle, famished and in rags, I waved a hopeful signal to your ship. " But better news I bear, some good tidings, If I am yet allowed some further speech. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 43 The Southland ship still floats upon the wave. Two days ago she passed, but saw me not. So leisurely she sailed she was in sight For half a day ; her course the setting sun. Do with me as suits. Hold me prisoner bound, Or slay me if you will. For better far That I die, and stain your ship with my blood, Than rot among the rocks of yonder isle." Then Captain Wyck : "If truthful tale you tell, The ' Southland ' is near, and can be found. Three days we give to guide our ship aright. If in three days you guide our course and bring In view the Southland ship, you shall be free. And we do bind ourselves with seaman's oath That naught abroad shall e'er be told of thee That thou didst once belong to pirate band ; But if thou dost prove us false, in our hand Will be thy life, and thou thyself dost know That pirates by fair speech can not escape." It was a hopeful day with Captain Wyck As toward the west with rapid sail he steered. There was some doubt, and yet to all it seemed Some Providence that guides had intervened. They thought of Captain Drake and what he said To console in the hour of their deep grief. And the thought rose that the friendly skies, In smiling accents looked down with good will ; That high Heaven himself with watching care Stood guard till yet, as ne'er his help withdrew The years the Southland ship had been at sea. Karnes stood on deck and looked o'er all the wave. But mainly toward the west he bent his eyes. 44 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. He did whate'er he could to verify That he, while on the lonely isle, had seen The ship that was the world's common talk. With anxious eye he scanned the sea around, Nor lost his time in idle speech or sleep. His speech and looks proclaimed : " It must be found, Or else my limbs and body all shall wear Heavy manacles and hard to be borne Till I at last shall meet a pirate's fate." Those days were hours of anxious care with Wyck : Were days and hours 'tween hope and doubt, and gave His brow a changing look, as thoughts of doubt Or thoughts of rising hope possessed his soul. With Karnes were days and hours no one could know. Unless as Karnes could feel what must be done. Or else endure the fate that he must meet. The third day was almost gone when Karnes, Who wore deep signs of care and gloom, cried out : "A ship, captain ! The ' Southland ' is in view ! Look ! look ! the ship that passed the lonely isle, The ship that has a crew that saw me not, That knew not the distress that I was in. Or else they w^ould have come to my relief. The ship that has a crew the Heavens protect ; Nor dares there rise a man that knows that crew. Their scars, their looks, courage, and god-like mien, Whose hand could hold a sword that meant them ill. Their looks, once seen, hath wrought a thought in me That made me feel that I was self-condemned. Since them I saw, I hate this pirate trade, I hate myself because in look and trade I fall so far below those god-like men. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 45 And now I do rejoice that I found fault With the rash captain and his pirate crew ; That I was thrown into the foaming sea, And found a way to that lonely island. Am glad that high Providence intervened, And when cast away his hand took me up To act as guide to find the Southland ship ; And now I know that God doth rule events. And hath high use for Captain Drake and crew." Scarce had Karnes ceased his speech ere Captain Wyck Hailed the Southland ship. Soon the captains met, And with those two it was a business hour. Captain Drake received the proposition Sent through Captain Wyck from Count Galestein. He turned to his comrade crew and thus read : " High Captain, and All Aboard the ' Southland : ' If you will condescend to hear my speech, I will transmit a word through Captain Wyck, A word that's fair if I interpret right The high intentions you hold in mind. If not as yet a land is found on which To found a commonwealth as you aspire, I would, in love to you, myself intervene. And lend the help that love and wealth can yield. But suffer me herein to interweave The great love I had for your Southland cause. I watched your battles with sympathizing heart. And grieved was I the day I heard you lost. When from a port bordering on a lovely land, A land that's called a ' Land of Flowers,' you sailed, My heart went with you and wished you success. Nor would I now attempt to check your aim, 46 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. For large labors do sometimes take more years Than are believed in first calculations. " Now I propose, if you see fit to hear, That you do bring your ship to Ajaccio, A port and town on the isle of Corsica. If this accords with your high taste and will, I propose to ride with you on the seas, And help to find a land, if anywhere A land that's unoccupied can be found, And whose extent invites to found a state. I propose the expense shall all be mine. E'en all repairs of fitting up your ship. I wish to ride the Southland ship o'er seas In company with you and your honored crew. To visit the great ports of all the earth, And find, if knowledge to man be given, In what quarter of the earth a land Such as you are now in quest can be found. " Now, high captain, if this proposition Accords with your will, come to Ajaccio ; And while the Southland ship shall be repaired You shall find rest for all the Southland crew." It was a silent hour. The breeze and waves. While the ships faced in that southern sea. Made all the speech that broke upon the air. The Southland crew gazed upon their captain, Yet silently he their speech awaited. Just such silence as intrudes on heroes Before their minds have reached conclusion ; But when a voice doth speak they all agree. And as in the great battles they had fought They still preserve an unbroken column. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 47 Captain Wyck looked on in admiration. Env^y seemed almost kindled in his eye As he beheld the silent consultation. The brave Jameson in his stalwart form Advanced a step and thus the silence broke : " While the Southland was in its great struggle, And much seemed to depend on our marine, Off the west shores of France I was cruising. Our ship was in great distress ; such distress As sometimes puts a ship to disadvantage When her speed is checked nigh unto foes. Whose ships in battle give but little chance. In this distress I found a friend who gave Such help as set me right again ; a friend Who ran the risk of things contraband of war. Interposed as friend of the Southland cause, In midst of times when few would dare such deeds. Some are friends because they hope for gain, And when this hope is gone their friendship ends. Some are friends when danger doth not intrude, But when frowning guns shake the earth and air Their friendship wanes and fast they seek retreat. Some are friends in peace or war ; nor doth time, Whate'er the loss, whate'er o'ertakes as fate. Yield a day their friendship begins to wane. " In my distress Count Galestein was friend ; As friend to me, a higher friendship proved, For he was a friend to the Southland cause. He is our friend to-day. Why halt we here? The high Providence that rules in events Hath intervened some aid, and it is best To heed the voice Captain Wyck represents." 48 THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. The voice of Jameson was the voice of all. The face of Captain Drake was lit with smiles, Nor less the other ship with smiles approved. No time was lost. That hour the orders came, And the two ships headed toward Ajaccio. Nor more than thirty suns had come and gone Ere the Southland ship had her anchor cast. When all on board did enter Ajaccio, A pleasant city for a seaman's rest. With much around that wakes the warrior's thought, And much profound for his meditation. The Count and captain talked all matters o'er, And set the fortieth day for voyage again. The work began the " Southland " to repair. And well arranged to meet the time exact. Ajaccio had the grace to entertain, And gave herself to Captain Drake and crew. Nor left a care amiss, or thought relaxed. But showed great welcome to her honored guests. They did oft look on the great stone building In which the great Napoleon was born. They sought the room where once in cradle lay That mighty chief who shook the earth with arms. Nor failed to shake it less in serious thought. On old relics they gazed, and walked the yard Where played that child one hundred years before. They talked his deeds, and praised the name of France For the lasting love she bore her chieftain ; But when their thought turned to Helena's rocks. They condemned the power that took from France The man for whom she had the greatest love. Over all the city of Ajaccio Went these heroes of the Southland battles. THE SOUTHLAND COLUMBIAD. 49 Whatever street they walked, where'er they paused To look on the scenes of this healthful city, They drew along with them the thronging crowds ; Nor mattered much whether one was alone. Or all the Southland heroes together, Whether in street, or where'er they were seen. Much business for the time was suspended, And all eyes inclined to turn on the men Whose fame had reached the ports of all the earth, But now were guests at friendly Ajaccio ; Who, after war in which they met defeat, Could no more be else than dumb denizens In that land they loved and for which they bled, Unless, forsooth, would swear that they did wrong Because they dared liattle for the Southland. For brave men such as these did Ajaccio Suspend her business and turn to behold The heroes who had defended a cause. And rather than make an oath from the lips, When the heart's acclaim did reverse the act, Had rode the seas in storms, and undergone Dreadful labors while in search of a land Where they might live in peace, and, uncorrupi By oaths that spake not the truth from the heart. There found a colony and build a state. For men like these did friendly Ajaccio Open her bosom with warm rays of love, And gave her guests heartiest welcome. In Ajaccio was found a great surprise That woke the wonder of the Southland crew. For on the walls, e'en of the humblest home. There hung enframed some brave Southern hero, 4 50 TIJI': SOUrill.AND columuiad. Or painted battle where he bore a part; Some si