FUNDED IN PART BY NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES REPRODUCTIONS MAY NOT BE MADE WITHOUT PERMISSION. AUTHOR : Sleigh, Adderley W. TITLE : The prince of fanama ; or, Stranger cheiftain. A romance... PLACE : | ondon DATE : [1847] VOLUME : CALL [2260.2 M NEG : 93- NO © 1270 02 ® V, : "A WV, Be Centimeter 1 2 3 Inches iation for Information and Image Management iB Y 0 NIN nr «ge YAO \ RSI ey Mes 1100 Wayne Avenue, Suite 1100 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 y 4 301/587-8202 <5 “oN 42,8 We {a 4 A Ny © NY 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 mm 3 4 5 0 Slk= fiz = =z 1 . = Jj 22 = fle JL lis pie Pi AD Zan . A “a MANUFACTURED TO AIIM STANDARDS PA EN BY APPLIED IMAGE, INC. 2 EN FILMED AND PROCESSED BY LIBRARY PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY, CA 94720 JOB NO. a DATE 1] 93 REDUCTION RATIO a 9 DOCUMENT SOURCE | The Bancroft Library ; I So =i i ihe ity 1H a i I” 4 Vs SO as? ER FN ga x ary y i i a i va pg } 54 40 Wm rT ne id | it EER Si ATH HOR Br sR FEE Trend EE EE UE dl GL {hen A gp arn El UNNUMBERED PAGE LS] Faginat ion begins on p-I¥ F PP- [I7-[H]not designated. THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; Stranger @hiettain. A ROMANCE, IN FOUR CANTOS. apr. ADDERLEY W. SLEIGH, K.T.S., &c., — LATE R.N. 4 To 4 Bancroft Litaary TO ALFRED B. RICHARDS, ESQ., OF WASSELL GROVE, WORCESTERSHIRE, BARRISTER AT LAW, &c. &c. &c. DEAR SIR,— With that humility which arises from a consciousness of the imperfection of my offering, and the inadequacy of words to convey the sentiments by which I am actuated, I dedicate the following pages to you. Under these impressions, I at first hesitated, till, recollecting that sincerity is not engraven on the polished marble alone, or couched exclusively in silvery language, but that fidelity is often traced with equal truthfulness on the rude granite, and expressed in unpretending terms, not less honest or worthy. Encouraged by those reflections, I now venture to inscribe this volume to you, without soliciting permission, knowing the objection you have to your generous and noble acts being acknowledged even in private—thus have I hazarded your displeasure. However, when I declare that this transgression will tend to contri- bute to my advantage, I know you will forgive me,~the hcnor I arrogate will accomplish that end in the following manner : That an author is desirous of rendering his writings authentic or im- pressive is a fact, and the more traditionary they are, the greater becomes his anxiety to do so, is equally true. If, therefore, he be so fortunate as to know an individual who approaches in character the hero of his work, and who may tend to illustrate a moral, he is naturally desirous of identifying such a person with it, thus materially enhancing its value, — this is precisely the case with me, as refers to my humble effort. | f ' i y { ¥ { 1v In the person of the PRINCE oF Panama, I have endeavoured to pourtray a man uniting private virtues with honesty of purpose in public life, under most trying circumstances, devoting himself to the amelio- ration of his fellow man, without hope of reward, rising superior to the temptation and treachery of the world, with a soul noble in misfortunes, and possessing all the attributes of an exalted mind, and an enter- prising, benign, and philanthropic heart. In you are centred those virtues, guided by talent and education, I have given to my hero, and which do honor to man. Forgive me, therefore, for being so ambitious as to adorn with your name these pages (several of which were penned years back in distant climes, under a bright sun, in happy days; and some recently, beneath the lowering sky of this hemisphere, during the sad and darkest hour of my life), as a most humble mark of the gratitude, esteem, and consideration of, Dear Sir, Always yours, faithfully, THE AUTHOR. 6, SEYMOUR Prace, REGENT'S PARK. November, 1817, LEH THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. On that part of the north coast of South America, commonly called the Spanish Main, in an extensive tract of country, situated between the States of Santa Marta and Cartagena, on the margin of the Carribean Sea, at the entrance of the Gulf of Darien, in Lat. 12° N. and Long. 71° E., the scene of this Romance is laid. The eastern and western frontiers of those States are defined by the Rio Magdalena, in its northward course from the Andes to the Ocean; and at about thirty leagues from the latter, it bifurcates—one branch debouching at the city of Cartagena ; the other, twenty leagues south of capital of the Santa Marta. Thus is formed a Delta land, on the maritime base of which, twenty leagues to the N.E. of the lonely village of Galeara, is a deep and sheltered bay, formed by two promontories jutting into the sea; a lofty range of mountains flank and partly encircle that wild amphitheatre. At the head of this crescent is a small creek or cove, terminating in a Ravine, which suddenly contracts into a dark and precipitous gorge : eg A Nem, AAA OA... Pi AA png, ee A 2 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA j along the sandy beach is scattered a small hamlet, inhabited by a tribe of aboriginal Carribean Indians, whose right of natural possession, although frequently menaced, has never yet been wrested from them. Those men are characterised by the following attributes ;—veneration for Deity —humane charitable —industrious—indomitahle valour—and an exalted spirit of independence, to preserve which they annually renew a solemn and anciently plighted vow. Those virtues have not only secured for them peace, but consideration from the neighbouring States, by whom however, they are merely recognised as a predatory band of Indians, but who, from political causes, jealousy of each other, or impotency, allow them to remain in the uninterrupted enjoyment of that soil which Nature has bestowed on them. Their complexion is of a deep or reddish copper colour—long black hair, flowing in easy ringlets—exceedingly handsome—tall, and of a lofty bearing. The territory is fertile and mountainous, intersected by deep passes, affording impregnable fastnesses, and embraced on two sides by the rapid branches of the Rio Magdalena, while its craggy coast is washed by the Carribean Sea. The traditions, the history, and descent of this tribe are extremely interesting. The most remarkable of the former is that of there being at present, and having existed since the earliest dawn of this world’s creation, a Sacred City,* situated in a profound and fertile valley, en- circled by a vast and stupendous range of the Andes, inaccessible to man. * It is requested that this city be not confounded with, or mistaken for the ruins of some city said to be recently heard of in Central America, by a cele- brated traveller and author. The Sacred City alluded to in this volume is believed to exist in a stupendous range of the Andes in South America. co OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. That this city is inhabited by a people delicately fair, who live to an immense age—that the waters which flow around and within this un- known region are highly perfumed by aromatic odours, and after filtering through subterranean chasms, burst from the mountains, and flow as tributary streams into the Amazon, Oronooko, and Magdalena—that in those rivers are frequently found pieces of golden tissue, of crimson and purple silk interwoven, and long braided ringlets of bright auburn and light fleecy coloured hair of human beings, such as are not known in any part of South America—these they consider proofs strongly cor- roborative of the existence of the Sacred City. During the Venezuelan War for Independence, the Author being in that service at the time, had frequently occasion to cruize off the Indian Bay, and learned the history of this remarkable tribe. Subsequently, in 1827, while on the West India Station, in the Royal Navy, being employed in the suppression of the slave trade and piracy, he revisited that part of the South American Continent, and found this race of Indians still preserving inviolate their lofty independence, and not in any way morally or physically degenerated. The before enumerated facts, coupled with incidents alluded to in this volume, which took place during the Author’s stay in the vicinity of Cartagena, together with the desperate attack made on this tribe by a piratical leader (the son of an English baronet, Sir E— T—), with a formidable band of followers—his being made prisoner—the important co-operation received by the Indian tribe during the engagement, from the commander of a small English schooner lying in the Bay at the time— their unbounded gratitude—the pirate captain’s escape and retreat to the Bahamas, where he was captured by the boats of his Majesty’s squadron—his attempted rescue at night, covered by incendiarism—his recapture hy the gallant exertions of Captain O’M—a, of the British I A —————— 5 20h SRD a 4 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA. Army, whose regiment was on duty at the time—the disclosures and evidence of a most interesting young female, whom he had carried off from one of the islands—together with several events which occurred at the time, furnished not only the grounds of this Romance, but also suggested the practicability of foreigners establishing themselves by peaceful and conciliatory measures in those territories which by nature’s law belong to those whom we find first planted there. The fugitive Poems under the head of “Nights of Solitude on Sea and Land,” many of them written years back, require the same in- dulgence as “The Prince of Panama,” and probably will receive it, when it is known they are from the pen of a SAILOR. iN yr mS ET crn " wr ry —— THE PRINCE OF PANAMA: OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. CANTO THE FIRST. BenoLp! the broad bosom, of the ambient mirror’d deep; Far as the eye extends its visual ray, the mighty billows sleep. The moon’s soft beams had touched, and silvered o'er The watery waste that swept Carrebia’s shore, Where Panama, by mount and sandy deserts wild, divide Atlantic and Pacific waves—on either side; The midnight hour calm, and silent solitude profound, Pervades that Ocean world. No living stir or breathing sound Disturbed the slumbering main, or balmy air that night, The stars alone shone out—refulgent, clear, and bright : Sublime and chaste seemed all, as Nature’s perfect hand, Save a dim watch-fire’s blaze, upon the distant strand, Which stretched beneath a lofty mountain’s glade, And marked a spot within its deep, and dusky shade, That point of land—abrupt —o’erhung a sheltered bay, Within whose cove, the smaller barks, might safely lay, B 6 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Securely anchored from the fierce and angry gale— This creek had shelter given to many a stranger sail. Upon its sandy beach a lonely scattered hamlet stood, And ranged its crescent way close to the briny flood, The home of men unknown—of bronzed and swarthy hue, A tribe of Indians bold—comprised that pristine few ; "Neath partial laws or goading State they never groaned, Free as their native air, no despot Prince they owned; They felt no heartless wrong, they saw no danger nigh, They lived for freedom, they knew no selfish sigh ; Industry and peace alone composed each passing hour, None sought superior place—unrivall’d power. The Elders of this Tribe had justly veneration paid To their great age—hence placed in higher grade ; Who council and direct, by wise and kindest care, They guide with love alone—uninfluenced by fear. Tho’ men unused to withering war’s unhallowed din, They shunn’d not combat, but they feared to sin. Whenever man their peaceful homes assailed, His ruthless purpose vile—inevitably failed ; Firmly around those native fastness, then they stood, The foe recoiling, marked their path with blood, The light canoe, and bark of swifter speed, Outflanked the foes, and scaled the sanguine deed ; Few that boldly came, escaped the deadly fight— The last, and only, succour, rested in their flight. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 7 So dread a warning had they spread around, No pirates near this cove, were ever found; They shun that spot, from whence the glimmering ray Shone feebly o’er the wide and tranquil sea— But, lo! the watch descried that night a distant bark— White were her sails—her hull was low and dark ; She stood towards that shore so steep, and hence so near, It told her purpose peace —it lulled each anxious fear. The bay was entered soon—the vessel shortened sail — The anchor then is cast—and, answering to the hail, Declared their object friendly—honest—good and true, To seek for water in the cove, and then the country view. An Indian guard board sent—the vessel now they scan, Then boarding, offer succour—as the pledge of man. On deck the Indian guard in confidence ascend, And guided to the cabin of the Chief, they now descend : That Chief received them with a courteous hand, Expressing friendship for the Indian band ; Spreading a board of rarest viands, with hospitable cheer, He pressed the natives to partake the fare; Freely he told their purpose—but reserved his name— The Indians heard with faith, for what the strangers came. Thus mutual offerings given expressing even more— | The Indian guard-boat then, returned to the shore; And quick those tidings, to the Elders of their tribe convey, Who sanction all that ’s done, beside the vessel's stay. 1 | { 8 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; At dawn of morn, the creek and shore, is thronged to view, The Chief who lands, surrounded by his crew ; Some range the beach, and others slowly bring The limpid waters, from a mountain spring; While he, their Chief, ascends the rocky steep, Aloof to view the shores, that fringe the mighty deep. As man—in life’s gay world, for years he passed— He saw—appreciated all—and felt the withering blast That now had perished every verdant spot, He knew his fate—nor sighed, nor shunned the lot Which thus had chilled his heart, but left a lofty soul To flee this world, and spurn man’s vile control. None knew or guessed from whence this stranger came, Or heard him tell, or ever write his name ; His signature, when asked—he always drew An arbitrary circle—then a crescent through. He was a man—thoughtful, though not of many years— He bore across his brow, the evidence of cares, That cast upon his features, tho’ soft and mild, Those shadows deep, that mark misfortune’s child : His figure, tho’ not tall, was of the middle height, With form slender—his gait was firm, tho’ light— His hair was nearly black, of auburn’s darker hue — His visage bronzed—his eyes were deepest blue, Deep sunk beneath a forehead, that hung o’er— And shaded from the gaze their glance, and something more. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 9 Of good—or evil— or of mystic spell, Tho’ thoughts are hidden, ¢ Time” anon will tell— His mien not proud, though pride of mind he bore Seen in every measured step—upon the upper lip he wore A beard that flowed not long, but soft and thin— Concealed in part the mouth and shaded chin ; The former spoke that language of his eyes, Which told, tho’ silent, when he could despise. His garb was black—more sable than the night— A graceful cloak concealed the star of honour bright Which on his breast, above the left he bore— A simple Spanish hat and plume he wore, Which drooped so darkly from the slouching brim, It shaded darker thoughts, that slumbered deep within. Thus fully mantled and attired, in sombre-coloured dress, Around this man of mystery, there hung what man dare not confess ; Beneath the whole, but not apart from view— He wore a belt and rapier straight, both of ebon hue. Sometimes in thoughtful mood, his corselet would unfold, When "neath the vesture black, a clasp of purest gold, Was seen—suspended from the neck, and resting o’er that part, Which feels in throbbings low, the impulse of that heart Which fondly beats for oNE, whose miniature is there, Encircled by a zone, of light orient tinted hair. 10 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; The glorious sun had now, its golden rays unfurled, And cast its radiant wings across the watery world; When o'er the mountain’s top, those streams of burning light, : In fierce array dispel, the misty dews of night— Darting on the plains, and sea-washed lands, In soft and deeper tints, along the burnished sands: Soon as that mighty Centaur, of the mightier whole, Its high meridian gains, and lights from Pole to Pole, Descends on every glade, its zenith fire-streams, Nor cool, nor shade afford, a shelter from its beams, But down refracting—fall hot as molten lead These glowing bars descend—scorching on the head. The Stranger Chief now slowly, sauntered back again, To see the Indian Tribe, and then review his men ; For he well knew how man must man command— To govern in trifles small—to sway with even hand : This skill acquired—through life, in Nature's school, He knew that art—he knew the secret rule— To yield to impulse light, before the vulgar eye, Though soft the heart, to steel it you must try: Who would command, must be unmoved by all!— Fear—change of purpose—irresolute—they fall, The Elders saw the Chief draw close, and to his boat descend ; They slowly near that lonely man, and now before him bend: co or A 50 cpr rar as A EN SEEN G OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 11 With equal grace that dignifies, to them he deeper bowed, To humble man he lowly bent—to higher he was proud. Their services are placed, at the Stranger Chief's command, And give him welcome to remain, upon their native land. They press him to their Hall, which offered cool repose, ’Neath shaded bower to rest within, until the daylight’s close. The Stranger followed on the way, that to the alcove led, Then thro’ its porch, when ushered in, a verdant arch o’erspread, Extending to a vestibule, whose roof had close combined, Citron, myrtle, and rose-trees wild, around the whole entwined, Through which, in gentle tone, the zephyrs softly played, Wafting sweetest odours round, this calm and peaceful shade ; His solemn aspect they respect—his mildness so delights, They marked with pleasure all he said. The Elders he invites To view his Bark, and then receive, a mark he would present Of friendship for their noble Tribe; the Elders bow assent, Complying with the Stranger’s wish; they follow to the strand, The Bark was close, and soon received, the Elders of that band. This Bark, in form so low—snake-like—long, and light-- Sensitive to everyair—she twined ‘neath sails, of purest white, Which graceful hung along the yards, and tapered masts » that tend To rake aloft, from fore to aft, and o’er the taffrail bend. 12 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Around the bark were ranged, in bright and triple row, The carabine, the sabre sharp, between her decks below ; Around were slung a hundred oars, in beckets by the side, To urge the brig in swiftness o’er, the calm and mirror’d tide. A banner from the peak displayed, upon its snowy field, Armorial bearings, well defined—above its azure shield, A demi-Lion, Or—with cross and crosslets red— Within the dexter paw,—a crown adorned its head, Of ducal rank—from days of chivalry long past, Which told the Stranger’s sires bled, in war’s resounding blast; A Moorish Tower and a sword, completed all the rest, And seemed as joined in latter times, to this ancient crest. The cabin of the Stranger Chief, was low, of ample beam, Pierced with ports on either side—two in the stern-frame. Close aft, within a small recess, screened from the light of day, There hung the portrait of a Sainted One ; upon it fell the ray Of a pale lamp, that ever burned, within this sacred place, And shed a mellow light, upon that loved and hallow’d face, To whose eyes of blue—so pure so soft a ray was given, They beamed Celestial light, She seemed as One of Heaven. Few ever heard the Chieftain speak, save to a youthful Page, Who often to his master read, though yet of early age. This boy, tho’ delicately fair, tho’ happy, calm, and mild, Some thought, and even said, he was the Stranger’s child. A banquet of the rarest sort, was plentifully served— The Elders during the repast, were modest and reserved. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. Soft music swelled the air, and reached the lofty shore; All, wondered at those strains —they never heard before. The festive closed—they now on deck ascend— While there, at quarters formed, the vessel’s men attend : A gallant crew was standing round, in firm and close array ; Their greetings loud, in foreign tongue, spread o’er the silent Bay. Boats ’longside are hauled, and with the seamen manned, The Elders enter, then push off, and quickly reach the strand : The Indians, charmed with the Chief, his bearing and display, Solicit him as Stranger friend, amongst them long to stay ; He yields, reluctant, to their wish, for he’s a wanderer now, As he has pledged within his heart, a deep and sacred vow. They granted to the Stranger Chief, a tract of verdant land, And offered privileges free, amongst the Indian band ; He felt their proffers as a mark, of kindness seldom known; He only wished to be their friend, but wished to be alone. The Chief on shoreis now received, and garlands hung around, While Indian virgins, clad in white, with flowers strew the ground ; : But nought could cheer his drooping soul, or shed a ray of light, His only joy was solitude —his heart knew no delight. c 14 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; "Oft anxiously for hours, this man of mystery stood, In fond beseeching feelings deep, in lowly attitude; And then to Heaven’s vast concave space, Transfixed, he’d turn his scotched and harrow’d face, - Then wildly throw his arms athwart his shattered breast, He'd weep in agony of grief, that he was ever bless’d, In this dark valé of blacker crime, of woe, and endless wrong, In which his anguished mournings now, had been both deep and long, And oft, when all around was still, he’d pine the night away, And look with horror and despair, upon the coming day, * That brought to him with sickly dawn, on its unerring light, A darker and a longer hour—a still more awful night To his sear’d heart, but lofty mind—by Fate’s unchanged decree, A troubled spirit’s wounded pride, that none on earth could see ; And often in the sullen hour, of night’s drear loneliness, He’d mark with anxious, sleepless eye, the signals of distress, That came ‘through tempests’ dirge, and reached the lofty shore, The Watch-tower on the height—the guns’ bright flash and hollow roar— But none Wero there to see or hail, the lonely shipwrecked Bark, Save he who smiled amid the storm, whose soul within was dark. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 15 As days passed on, and thus unrolled Time's long, unending scroll, - The Stranger organised his crew, who, subject to control, Perform’d their duty in the Bark; one-half remained on shore, And formed their dwellings round the creek, and raised a public store: Some tilled the soil, and others helped, in fisting in the sea’; Some, under officers of trust, explore the mountains and the Bay; And with their Chief, who often led, thisenter prising band, They penetrated vast defiles, in wild and desert land.— The Stranger oft in wonder thought, nor could he well divine How, in this day of avarice—this sordid age of crime— That Indian Tribe remained unknown—their natural right possessed By some republic state, enslaved—or equally oppressed ; For southward round this promontaried bay, and stretching to the west, Democracy divides the soil, and, creeping, knows no rest; That land so blest by Nature’s gifts, where man is now the worst— : Where once in Nature’s pride he stood—where now by laws he’s curs’d - 4 Where President and Priest, and all degenerate, low, defiled, Disgrace the noble name of Spain ; those nobler Indians, wild, —— EI PUTS 16 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; From Montezuma’s race descend, whose freedom, as if given, Maintained the present spot—their right the gift of Heaven ; And Nature seemed to guard that spot, with boundaries to define, They made a sacred vow, before this right, their lives they would resign. Far to the southward of this cove, Magalina’s river lay, And branching to the East and West, descended to the Bay, And there diverging ran around, on either lofty side, Then with diminished force, flowed in the swelling tide. This Delta land, thus formed, as if a frontier wedge was thrown "Tween petty states, too selfish to divide, too weak to make their own. From off the Mount, above the Bay, on which the Watch- tower stood, The eye surveys the Ande’s range, and sweeps o'er Panama’s flood ; The former with their snow-crowned crests, in majesty and might, Refract the sun’s refulgent beams, in myriad rays of light ; The latter's dimpled bosom swells, expressive in the gale, Upon whose glittering waters blue, glide forth a thousand sail; Beyond that gulph whose margins roll, environ’d by two scorching sands, Where death its carnival proclaims, and desolate those burning lands. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 17 E’en at this day, when those gone by, enveloped in Time’s shade, Association brings to mind, what ages past portrayed— When Europe’s sons, in hostile fleets, to this new world came O’er, And under Christian mask and cowl, deluged it with gore; When Cortes led his bloodhounds on, against a noble race, And bound in chains the Indian Chiefs, and sealed his own disgrace ; When oft Pizarro and his men, inflicted wrong and pain, And called the God of man to bless those deeds—on man a stain. But those were days, though blacken’d deep, beneath tyrannic power, Yet more refined and torturous wrongs, are practised at this hour— For scarce beyond the horizon’s verge, hundreds—thousands —moan, Because, alas! their skin is black, beneath the lash they groan, Andfettered as the beast, in droves, they’resold to man for gold By selfish men, whose brutal hearts are cased in human mould. Oft by that watch tower in the night, and during noon-tide glare, The Stranger Chief stood mute alone, with calm and mournful air; 18 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA. As though one spot absorbing all, and riveting his eye, Had power to fascinate his soul, with charms of days gone by; Or though some being had fled that spot, and left a chaos in his mind. And then a vision straight revealed, a form though bright, yet undefined ; And none could tell the reason of, his gazing on that shore ; But it was whispered by his men, he had been there before. END OF THE FIRST CANTO. THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. CANTO THE SECOND. Ore night, when weariness oppressed, and after daylight’s close, The Stranger Chief his vigils kept, and felt a short repose; Then hied him to the mountain’s brow, when all had sunk to sleep, | To watch the lightning’s vivid flash, to mark the silent deep. The thunders rolled, the heavens lowered, portentously and wild, A freshning breeze blew off the sea, the foaming billows smiled ; On all around the God of Night had fixed his ebon hand, And onlyby the lightning’s glare, was seen the distant strand, Where lo ! approaching to the Bay, the liquid stream shone bright, He saw beneath the frowning cape, a small and flickering light, 20 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; And then another, and another, which gliding on the sea, Approached the shore, immerging fast, collected in the Bay ; And as the heavens shone out, its streaks of living flame, By which the Stranger Chief discerned, a fleet of vessels came Within the confines of the creek, and anchoring in a line, From which he now saw boats descend, and in that form combine. The Indian guard-boat quicklyreached, the vessels in the van, And passing then, from right to left, along the line she ran, And hailed the foremost bark, when quickly they replied— «Peace and friendship true.”—The Indians mount the side. An hour since they left had passed, and several minutes more, But yet the guard-boat was not seen, or had she reached the shore, When, lo! a squadron of boats, that covered all the creek, Were seen push off, and pull to shore—then a demon shriek Came up from off the silent Bay, and echoed thro’ the land. A roaring cannonade commenced, the strangers press the strand, Then musketry from right to left, the valleys now resound ; While javelin, sword, and brand, spread terror then around. So treacherous was this horrid deed—this act of blood and fire— The Indians scarcely know their foe, or whence in haste retire ; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. But soon those men of soul, who felt this fiendish wrong, Their Tocsins loudly sound, and round their Elders throng; They fly to arms, and, shouting loud, they front the frantic foe, When foot to foot in deadly strife, they measure every blow ; But still out-numbered and o’erpower’d, they only try to die— They will not yield their native soil—they scorn from death to fly. One thought revived their drooping hearts—in one they have belief— The Elder Indians haste away, and seek the Stranger Chief, To give his council to them now, to save their sacred land, To marshal quick the Indian Tribe, and take the sole com- mand. The Chief, who closely from the first, had watched the deadly fight, Embraced the Elders—bid them cheer—accepting with delight The trust they offered; and quickly then he summon’d all his crew, Who, answering to his orders prompt, to sword and carbine flew. They formed and followed to the Port, a dense and solid mass, Then ’twixt the shattered Indians and the foe, in steady order pass, 22 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Then wheeling seaward in a line, they front the hostile band, In slow and silent phalanx move, they press them to the strand : The Indians roused by this relief, impetuous cut their way, They force the assailants to embark, or drown them in the Bay. The Stranger Chief with warlike tact, seeing with eagle glance, He counsel’d now the Indian Tribe, to let the foe advance : The Indians, docile to his will, obey the Chief’s command ; They open wide, retire in haste—the foemen make a stand, Elate, by what they thought—a fresh—a dire defeat, They press upon their victims’ steps, and follow the retreat ; But when they reached a gorge—a deep and dark ravine, That moment, in a solid mass, the Indians press between The baffled ruthless foe, and intercept the devious way, From where they then as victors stood, to where their vessels lay, When loud the Stranger Chief commands, in voice before unknown, Impetuous as the stormy blast,—¢ Indians, stand firm—men that are mine own— Unite—and then advance—close on the foe in rear— Press forward—rally round, and drive them to despair.” Quick at the mandate of the Chief, fell as the lightning’s flash, They, issuing from their ambuscade, upon the Pirates dash, And ere the foe could wheel, or know the fatal brink On which they thus were prone—the sabres of the Indians drink OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 23 The blood of hundreds—who now confused, were driven, In dastard flight before the Chief—their ranks completely riven; In fruitless efforts they unite, to cut a desperate way Through labyrinths of hostile foes, to gain the Indian Bay. The fight raged long, and man to man, to death they each opposed, "Till numbers fell beneath the sword, and blood and carnage closed This deadly conflict and that fight, with foes and men unknown, Who now by noble Indians were, thus vanquished and o’erthrown. Feebly yet the foes contend, and sue that quarter’s given— The Indians bid them hope for none, that mercy is in Heaven For such as them and every man, who seek man’s blood to shed. They heard this answer with dismay, and from the Indiansfled: This work of slaughter scarce began—whenlo! the Stranger Chief Addressed the Indians in a voice—his words were calm and brief. “ Indians! majestic, nobly brave—Nature’s pure sons, of whom your God is proud— Behold his glory! —in the lightning’s blaze — His voice re-echoed in the thunders loud— 24 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; Sons of the mountains wild, behold the Heavens’ eternal span— Hark to my words—have mercy now—and know your foe is MAN ! By Heaven’s all-wise decree—by this white banner, which I hold on high, The conquered foe you'll spare—you would not murder— he must not die !— By the right hand of plighted faith—by your own noble race, You will not slight my werd—or now that word disgrace.” In awe they heard his voice—its magic power they feel, His word went forth from front to rear—they felt the strong appeal, Their headlong course it checked, like ebbing tides roll back Refluent from the shore—they slacken their attack— As in the lulling storm—that on the ocean rides, Slow and slower they pursue, as mountain wave subsides; Obedient to the Stranger Chief, the word ran far and near, To offer quarter to the foe, and those that yield to spare; Throughout the flying ranks, the mercy shouts resound, They halt—give up their arms—the victors then surround— The vanquished foe is guarded strong, and thus are led away, And placed as’ prisoners of war, close to the Indian Bay. But just as issuing forth, from out the dark ravine, The sound of musketry is heard, a bark in flames is seen— + OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 25 War’s demons are abroad, their blood-stained wings extend, From land to sea envelope all, and seem to have no end: The stranger Chief calls loud, his men about him throng, Re-forming round his standard white, his orders are not long: “ Brave companions of my fate—sons of the Great Old land! Whose field of fame is on the wave—follow to the strand.” At this mandate on they press,and quick the shore they reach, And forming in detachments small, they line the rugged beach, Then entering many boats—that on its margin lay, In line of two divisions close—they issue from the Bay ; The rowers plied each bending oar—a blaze the creek o’erspread, In silent order and bold resolve, the Chief was at their head : Skilfully he his force divides, when near the barks they drew, Then passing through the hostile line, along each side they flew, ‘Which mounting then, the gallant band, with shouts thro’ fire and wreck, Plunge from the bulwarks on the foe, and meet them on the deck ; In conflict fierce they onward push, and grappling man to man, And sternly dealing every blow—the fight it then began: Smash ! smash! in steely sound—blades’gainst blades quick dash, And all along the quivering deck, the sabres sparkling flash; 26 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Now imprecations and wild shouts, throughout the fleet resound, Then shafts of death in whizzing flight, and cannon’s hollow sound, Spread terror on the sullen deep, and o’er the hostile foes, While on this scene of carnage rife, the livid lightning glows, And hoarse the Chiefs on either side, call on their men to stand, The invaders of the Indian soil, yield to the stranger's band ! They waver—rally and recoil, then backward they’re impelled, And sinking ‘neath the victors sword, their screams o’er ocean swelled, While on the blood-stained deck, they slip—as fore and aft they reel, They cry for quarter—it is given, and conquered then they kneel. One hostile bark within the line, still sustains the fight, The flash of arms yet is seen, and shows a banner white ; The stranger Chief led on his men, that vessel he engaged, On board of which the leader came—in her the battle raged. Fanatic zeal seemed to inspire, the foes in that fell strife, They fight like tigers in their lair—they value not their life ; But now the conflict slackened—and dwindled to a span, The foe who fought dismayed, retiring from the van, Collected on the stern, and round their leader fled, In breathless mass they stood, encircled by their dead; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. Then from where they stand—issuing from their rear, A female voice was heard—in shrieks of wild despair; Those tones, tho’ frantically loud, were yet such plaintive cries— Their sweetness checked the arm raised, as if they paralyse, The gleaming swords on high, stood in the hands that grasp'd; The victors paused a while—a breathing murmur passed— Throughout their ranks, a momentary silence then prevail’d, When prompt the Stranger Chief, again the foes assailed, And wrapping round his breast, the banner white, he cried, ¢¢ Comrades come on !—foemen stand aside— Or, by that mercy—which I ever show, Those that impede my way—I lay them low ! Open wide your ranks—and let that woman by ! Pause not a moment—or in it you shall die !” Scarce from his lips, did these prophetic words essay, When on the foe they rush, in horrible array, And hew them down, or plunge them in the flood, Till the decks smoke, deluged in their blood. Just at the moment, when their quivering ranks divide, A female figure, rushing forth, fell at the Chieftain’s side, And, claiming shelter—at his noble hand, Sued for protection, from that ruffian band, By whom she had, in dead of night, been torn, And from her home and friends, a captive borne ;— 28 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; : The Stranger Chief, quick raised her drooping form ; Although his mien was cool, his heart was ever warm; And placing then himself in front, to screen her from the foes, They round him and his charge—infuriated close, But as from off a circle—the sparks of fire fly In radii from the centre—in heaps of slain they lie Beneath the Chieftain’s sword.—But now a dreadful blow Cleft his dark plume, and bleeding, laid him low. His faithful crew behold, with horror and dismay, And, to shield their Chief, they hewed a bloody way ; Naught could their wrath appease—'twas blacker than the night, Their gleaming swords soon sealed, that long and dreadful fight. Supinely rolled the captured barks—the shrieks of conflict ceased In moanings of the dying—as sighs and groans increased. The Stranger Chief was raised, amid his men—victorious now— The captive fair was by his side, and bound his wounded brow. The morning dawned, with pale and sickly hue, And o’er the scene of carnage grim, a jaundiced aspect threw, Cadaverously wild; the shades of night decline, And cast their parting gloom, along th’ embattled line : OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. As slowly they were towed, within the Indian Bay, The shouts of victory resound, and usher in the day. The Elders and the Indian Tribe, aboard the vessel crowd» And hail with shouts the Stranger Chief, in admiration loud. But yet their noble hearts, tho’ strong, other feelings own— They sorrow o’er his wound—his sufferings they bemoan— And when they, turning saw, the fair and gentle prize, Who kneeling by the Chief—on whom she bent her eyes— Their minds reverted quick—to legend’s ancient lore, That told, a Virgin fair, in war, would land upon their shore, And there remain, as guardian angel, to their country given, Till God descended from the skies, and wafted them to Heaven. Briefly the Chief narrates her rescue, danger, and despair, And then consigned the maiden, to the Elder Indians’ care. Respectfully they bow, and pledge by their right arm, The rescued fair to guard, and shelter her from harm. In graceful attitude she rose, then to the Elders bend ; Her snowy robes, were stained with gore, whose ample folds descend, In texture soft and light—transparent, they adorn, As fleecy mantles, thrown around, her fair and sylph-like form. The creek was entered, as the Sun o’ercasts The lofty shore, and glittered on the masts, From whose high peaks, the pure white banners flow, And drooping in their shade, were blood-red flags below, E 30 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Of every captured bark, that now securely rides— A nobly vanquished foe—upon the Indian tides. The Chieftain lands ; with branches, then, a palanquin was formed, Triumphal arches crowned its top, with alcoved roof adorned, A verdant canopy widely then, with laurel this o’erspread, While palm-leaves shade in cool relief, that soft and rosy bed On which the Chief reclines, and high is borne along, While voices of Indian maids, pour forth harmonious song. Escorted by the Elders, the rescued fair, soft attentions lend, i On whom, in vestments white, three Indian maids attend. The Stranger’s Portal reached, thro’ which he is conveyed, And matrons of the Tribe—were there in green arrayed. His faithful page, who wept, sprang to the Chieftain’s side; He ’d watched the conflict, from thé first, with fear and mingled pride. The rescued maiden now, her benefactor bless’d, And, breathing prayers for him, retired to silent rest— Beneath an Indian roof—within a senior Elder’s home, Attended by his daughters fair, and all he called his own. - Scarce had the Sun retired, and rose the shades of night, Than, all along the Indian Bay, gleamed forth a crimson light, - OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. From east to west, around that crescent, far and near, A thousand fires blazed, and shed a lurid glare, And numerous torches, now, in double row extends; From where the hamlet is, to where the valley ends, Then through a dark ravine, they wind their galaxed way, And o’er a mountain steep, they cast a fitful ray— Then slowly, through those lines, the slain on biers were bore, ns In mute procession, from the beach, along the sea-washed shore, | To where a forest thick, its darker gloom o’erspread A deep and solemn veil, upon the sacred dead— The train advanced, when voices in plaintive strains arose, Of soft devotion—not in grief—for the parted souls’ repose, Which floated on the mild and balmy sighing wind, Till those who fell in fight, were to the grave consigned. Then shouts of revelry—amid the cymbals’ sound, Swelled on the midnight air, and bursts of joy went round. Then the trumpets’ blast—the sleeping echoes woke, Along the deep ravines, ’till dawn of morning broke. When slowly ceased those sounds—the blazing fires die, As the bright Sun illumed th’ shores, and Eastern sky. Each day the rescued fair, in kind solicitude attends The wounded Chieftain, at his home ; and every aid extends, To ’leviate his pain—to sooth his pensive mind, By fond expressions true—by feeling acts refined, . 32 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; "Till health reanimates, his sinking frame once more, But left within his heart, the sorrowings there before, That seemed to shed around this man, a dark presage, Which nought on earth, [save Heaven,] could now assuage. The assembled Elders long debate, with reference to the foe, And anxious seek the Stranger Chief, his sentiments to know ; As in Indian laws—so just, and well defined— By this atrocious act, their lives had been resigned ! The Chieftain, at their will, to the Indian’s Hall repaired, And joining in their council, their deliberations shared : They placed him at their head, and made him there preside ; His words were calm and firm—his air was dignified. The rescued fair approached, with mild and timid grace, And in an alcove of the hall, she took a modest place. Close to the Elders’ side she sat—the Indian maids were there— She seemed a star, serenely bright, lost to its native sphere. While ranged quadruple, five hundred prisoners stand, And in the centre, at their front, the Captain of that band, Who stood erect—his eyes bent on the ground ; The whole was guarded well, and each in fetters bound. That man, whose age scarce passed, the zenith of his life, Possessed a form which lends, a confidence in single strife : OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. His strongly knitted frame, was fashioned in a mould, That even gives an insolence to man, whose purpose is not bold, And holds in thraldom, where’er its power extends, But quiveringly shrinks, from where its influence ends: In curls loose and long, flowed his amber-coloured hair, Shading a complexion sallow, sunburnt, yet extremely fair ; Whenever from the ground, he raised his downcast eyes, All gazed upon this man, with pity and surprise; For then was seen his face, on which there sat a smile, That seemed to have a power, more to soften than beguile, His features, which were handsome, regular, and combined, Expressed a restlessness of spirit—a subtlety of mind, That soon betrayed to those, who by the eye could tell, Its waywardness of faith—its workings dark as hell : He who watched this man, discovered, a demon in disguise— A dastard in destruction—inexorable to suffering’s sighs. Tho’ nought could sanction, deeds of blood, or thought of foul designs, Events may yet extenuate, though not redeem, his many crimes. The Stranger Chief stood forth—which the Elders now request, And in a slow and solemn voice, the prisoners thus addressed: « Men of distant climes !—violators of this happy soil ! Whose peaceful natives live, by industry and toil, 34 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Know ye, by your recent acts, of blood and wanton strife, By every country’s laws, you've forfeited your life ; But learn, however, that there’s mercy in this land, Extended now to you, from the noble Indian’s hand, Altho’, without pretext, you’ve treacherously assailed, And covered by the night, your purpose scarcely failed, Had not the valour of this Tribe, rose like the Tempest’s rage, Naught could have checked your vile intent, your rapine naught assuage, Tho’ you are recreants from many lands, and own no native laws, And thus are pirates, enemies to man, and have no righteous cause, Yet in this territory, wild, as when nature first was born, Receive that mercy from her sons, which fails not to adorn The victors of a prouder race—more civilized than they, To whom you yielded in the fight—those whom you now obey ; But lest the memory of your guilt, should not reproach the mind, The whole, without distinction, are henceforth to be confined, Remembering still, that he who seeks, his fellow man to slay, Yields up his life to toil for him, through each successive day : Thus, by. Universal law, that life from Heaven alone descends, Your freedom is restored, should you for crime make just amends, OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 35 And therefore none have right, to take that life from man; Ye, who by toil, redeem the tenor of those acts, since they began, Receive that liberty—wide and pure as noon-tide rays, Not cursed by bondage, but with means, to mend your future days, And he who now can aught declare, to show this sentence is unjust, Let him at once stand forth, and to the Indian’s mercy trust.” : All heard in mute suspense, what the Chieftain had expressed, With which the pirate gang, seemed sensibly impressed : He ceased, and through the prisoners now, soft breathings spread, Their hopes revived—their doubts and fears had fled— Their eyes beamed forth, that joy of life’s respite— They felt as tho’ restored to endless day, from direful night : But oNE advanced, whose quailing spirit, with vaunting reared Its trembling courage, as mercy dawned, and danger disap- peared. He who now stood forth, was head and leader of the pirate band, And from the Indians claimed—as native of a foreign land, The privilege to speak, in favour of his gallant men, And on his—and their behalf, such injustice to contemn ; His gestures wild —his voice the sober silence broke; His attitude was bold—as in those words he spoke : 36 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; « Indians Majestic, on whose mercy, thus my life is thrown, Your worth I prize—Stranger Chief—alike to me and all unknown, We are no recreants vile.—Hark ! to what I now relate, Nor did we thirst for blood—or seek to extirpate ; But learning, a band of strangers hither came to dwell, With treacherous intent, to whom your country fell ; And having in my pay—under full command, — A squadron of armed barks—I hastened to this land To rid you of that foe—to whom you were betrayed, To offer you our swords—to render you my aid.” The Elders murmuring, saw this pretext foul and weak, The Pirate stood abashed, and claimed again to speak :— « As you my virtue doubt—beware, ere you reject My proffered services—I pray you—calm reflect, For know the power assumed, by which you us consign, By your own words and acts, you voluntary resign ; You, who are no nation—unrecognised by men, Have proved no crime ’gainst us, or hence you would condemn All those to death, whom you—as Pirates falsely name ; We therefore are not prisoners—you’ll not our right profane ; Thus being absolved [by inference] —I now would fain implore Our fetters loosed again—as friends we leave this shore.” The Elders rose displeased—their motives they explain— The sentence now so just— unaltered must remain. The Pirate leader then assumed, a wild malignant air, As thus he spoke in words—distorted by despair: OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. « He who before you stands, is one of noble order born, Whose name, and high descent, taught all beneath to scorn ; Thepride of lineage, andall that gave, to wealth despotic sway, Encouraged by a pampered power, increasing day by day— *Till manhood came, and brought, its habits sternly formed, No gloom my fame menaced, my dawning greatness warned; But lo! when Time, with certainty, my hopes impressed ; When all the world, my follies, and my faults caressed ; A dark and sudden storm, my ripened life o’ercast, Which shattered every joy, with foul and withering blast; My parents died—’twas proved too soon that I had been A child of love—but hid my mother’s fault to screen; When that fell blow—descended on my devoted head, My hopes, my means, my friends, and all my prospects fled : The fortune of my parents, which by Nature’s law was mine, Thus lost as I was deemed, an offspring but of crime; Abandoned, I looked around, and saw myself proscrib’d, I cared for nought on earth—e’en Heaven! I then defied ; Outcast by wanton fate, a dire and desperate course I ran, I fled the world—again I say, I loathed—I hated man !— I sought my bread, in scorching climes—upon the angry flood, I dealt in hated man—1I thirsted for his blood ! And now, ye Indians—who all my deepest woes deride, Rob not my fair Maria,* give up my lovely bride : * This word is intended to be pronounced according to the Spanish— “ Marea.” F 38 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA For she is mine—she’ll make these chains more light, And gild the darkest hour, with haloes clear and bright.” Scarce could the Stranger Chief, the Elders’ wrath subdue, "Roused by this tissue of pretence, so fragile—so untrue. The Chieftain and the Elders now invite, the rescued fair’s reply, To own the Pirate as her lord, or promptly him deny.— * Presented by an Elder of the Tribe, ’pon whose arm she leant, ; "The rescued fair advanced—on her all eyes were bent ; Her grace and perfect beauty, in every breast awoke, Sentiments of praise, as thus in silver tones she spoke: — « Elders, Indians all, and you my benefactor nobly kind, My cause is pure and just, to you I bow resigned; Were not it for your favour—which I so highly prize, The base assertion and that claim, alike, I should despise, Made by this vile man, and whom I now proclaim An outlawed Pirate—he said MALVERSTON Was his name : I know not who he is, his life of bad, or good repute ;° My object is to prove him false; his word I must refute. A mighty realm, whose banner floats o'er climes that own her sway, Was wheré the breath of life I drew, and first beheld the day ; : : Some long and rugged isles, begirt her fertile lands,’ In one of which, upon its coast, my father’s castle stands OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 39 His wealth and patronage is great, and I, his only child, Was fondly loved by him—on me the world smiled: And often from the sea-beat shore, I watched the foaming deep, By day and night I lingered there, till storms were hushed to sleep. One soft and tranquil eve’, that closed a furious gale— Wandering far upon the beach, I saw a distant sail ; "Twas off the coast as evening closed, and neared the craggy land, A boat was lowered from the ship, it quickly reached the strand. = The Moon had just arisen, and shed a pallid ray Above the lofty hills, arf tinged the rippling bay :— I homeward then retraced my steps, they trembled and grew fast, | A sentiment of ill (I know not why), my throbbing heart o’ercast ; - : But as it was a nervous hour, my weakness I reproached, When sudden from a valley deep, some men my path : approached ; The forembst one advanced ; his voice was calm and clear, And thus narrating his request, he bade me not to fear. ¢ Your pardon, Lady, pray extend. Our vessel ’s sinking fast, Shattered on a reef last night, beneath the tempest’s blast. I seek a pilot for this. coast, we never saw before ; "A haven to refit our bark, we ask for nothing more.’ 40 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; Thus all my fears were lulled, I turned, an answer to essay, When o’er my head a cloak was flung, I then was borne away; Unconscious from that time, I knew not of my fate, I only heard the ruffian crew, in fierce and loud debate, "Till night had passed, and daylight dawned again— Revealing to my harrowed soul, that I was on the main— A captive, borne from my home, amongst a lawless band, Across the broad and lonely sea—to some far distant land, By that vile man, who stands before your council—(THERE!), Whose outrage base, and heartless wrong, drove me to wild despair ; With soft persuasive power, he often dared to woo, And then by threats he tried, my virtue to subdue; But all his vile attempts, he found I could defy— His blandishment I scorned, he saw I'd rather die. In bondage with that hated man, a year had dragged away, And crimes of horror and of blood, marked each successive day : Across the Atlantic wide—between the burning zones, My heart was pierced for dreary months, by fellow-creatures’ groans ; Thishorrid trade in Afric’s sons, he seemed to prize the most, "Till chased by Britain’s flag of war, he fled that deadly coast ; Thus discarded by his hopes, we sailed for many days, "Till by a long circuitous route, we bore into those seas; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 41 Havannal’s port he entered, and bought those vessels light, Which now your happy Bay adorns, conquered in the fight ; Thus have I traced my hapless fate, in brief and faint outline, And trust I've shown its simple truth,and proved Malverston’s crime.” Her words of soft and zephyr tones, as music died away, With graceful bend she then retired, like evening’s parting ray. The Pirate leader raised his voice, as loudly thus he spake : ¢ Elders and Chieftain, hark ! once more I ask, for justice’s sake, I own my crimes seem black to you, but credit what I state, "Twas her base father whom me wronged, and sealed my wretched fate.” The Elders rose and spoke—their mandate was obeyed, The Leader and the Pirates then, to prison were conveyed. The Stranger Chief suggested now a duty unperformed, To every generous act, the Indian’s bosom warmed ; They ordered that the fastest bark, forthwith should be full manned, And straight convey the rescued fair, to her own native land. Maria heard this final word—by the Elders kindly given, Her lips acknowledged all, her trembling heart scemed riven IER RE ———————— TET. ‘ ET a —: A ai 42 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; By anxious hidden thoughts, she tried in vain to quell, That crimsoned o’er her pallid cheek—the cause she feared to tell. tit Thus do the chilling winds of morn, by withering blast consume The essence of the expanding rose, and nip its early bloom, As when the dawning mind, in youth’s pure fertile dreams, The clouds of sorrow shade—their fallacy proclaims. She slowly glided from the hall, attended by her maids, The sultry day had nearly closed in evenings sombre shades; The terrors which of late, her fevered mind o’ercast, Resolved into one anxious thought, absorbing all the past; The present moment of her life embraced her very soul, Encircling by eternal day—a joy beyond control, That now seemed threatened by a storm, its brilliancy to blight, To blast a fresh and new-born hope, by never ending night. Oh! human thought of mighty power, illimitable as space, Your wanderings outstrip the storm, and dwell in every place, Embracing in your varying span, ipbued by turbid crime, Or dwelling o'er exalted love, or sentiments ‘sublime ; - No prison walls confine, thy broad and eagle flight, Fast as the arrow from the bow, quicker than the light, Held in the captive’s power—tyrants own your sway, You're ever in the human mind, a bright and vivid ray ; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 43 Deep and varying in each heart, beneath ad’mantine screen, The latent workings in thy mine, by none are ever seen. Slow and sullen as the waves, beneath tempestuous wind, Swollen with vindictive hate, raged now Malverston’s mind. Anxiety, with hope and doubt, perplexed Maria's breast, Her thoughts were now on one, not far, whom deep in prayer she blessed; j Calm as the mirror’d deep, resigned to time and Heaven's . power, By sacred thought, the Chieftain’s mind, was hallowed at that hour. Oh, Time! what bounds thy mystic wing, expansive thro’ eternal span; : Whence did thy life first dawn? — where were you first began >— Omnipotent in thy vast form—associate of unending space— Wide as tlie universal whole, naught ever can thy limits trace; On thy fair brow no furrows mark, thy passing iron hand, Never born—never dying—immutable you'll ever stand : Space, like the whirling orbs, beyond the compass of the mind, ~~. Thought, he essence of coulanthiitor than the wind, Time, as the magnet to the pole, unerring, marked, yet undefined ; # nn ———— se ACES EE —————————— a ———— KS AIT = - " " EE eros ———— - e . Ri a — —— = Ray 44 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Yet deep indelible signs, impress thy swift career— Inevitable as Nature’s laws—thro’ nature’s varying sphere. The midnight hour came—calm as an infant’s rest : The blazing fire gleams, from off the Watch-tower’s crest, The sentry’s measured step was heard, while all around reposed ; While eyes, out-tired by the day, in balmy sleep were closed. Between a latticed blind, a glimmering light was cast, Across its flickering rays, a shadowy figure past— It stopped, then turned, irresolute awhile, again went on— The lamp still burned within, but that fair form was gone. Beneath a time-worn crag, whose giant brow extends Into the Indian Bay, and o’er its bosom bends, Reclined that man, whose silent sorrow, seemed to cast A shadow, blacker than that night, upon the hidden past. This crag o’erhangs the Cape, around whose rocky sides, The chafing billows foam—the calm and silent ocean glides, Upon whose surface, now a long dark shade is thrown, While, through the sea-worn clefts, the breezes softly moan, Whose sounds ascend, in cadence sad and low— Responsive. to his sighs—that man of sorrow and of woe, Who, in the solitude of thought, felt at this hour supremely blest— Apart from all the world—while man was sunk in rest— OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 45 Alone—none near—he looked on high—beyond, around ; He moved—he passed his hand across his brow. Was that a sound Of living thing ? He had no friends—he dreaded not his foes— Again a stir! He turned himself upon his arm, and partly rose ; His breath he held to listen—his eye penetrates the dark, The low thick foliage moved—nought met his gaze—but, hark ! He sprang upon his feet; a low soft rustling noise, like ebbing tide Thro’ quivering reeds, struck upon his ear, a figure slowly passed his side— Its vestments white—the form seemed aerial, still the sound conveyed Avowal that it yet lived—its earthly stamp betrayed— It turned, stood still—hark'! it deeply sighs, looked upon the main : He felt a thrill steal o’er—was it the wand’rings of his brain ? Involuntary—a long deep sigh escaped his self-control, The figure started ! glides to where he stood. “Be thee mortal or a soul ?” His voice rang echoing through the caverns deep and wild ! « Chieftain !—my pray’ r—start not—it is your rescued Child.” ¢ Oh, heaven ! wherefore—I feel my heart’s blood freeze !” She spake not, her utterance choked, she fell upon her knees, G 46 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Motionless as a statue—as influenced by a spell— Her long dark hair, in loose disorder fell Profusely round an alabaster neck, that forward leant. The Stranger Chieftain stood, and o’er Maria bent. That memory which transfixed his thoughts, in realms above, Had now controlled his speech, in deep and hallowed love ; Abstracted from this world, his soul, his heart, his mind, Drank the pure essence, in which they were enshrin’d— Nor earthquake’s shock, the thunder’s roll, or lightning’s fatal power, Could wake within the Stranger’s breast, an impulse at that hour. Slowly the heavy clouds of night, in silvery clefts divide, Through which the Moon shot forth, upon the rippling tide A piercing ray, that now fell soft, and delicately bright, And seemed to shed upon the Chieftain’s mind, returning light ; He breathed again —she raised her head, he placed his hand upon her polished brow— Her tresses flowed aside: ¢ Alonel—came you hither thus —why, and how, Through these defiles—uncertain as the human fate— Soundless as the spirits glidle—why seek my sad retreat ?” A shudder, soft as aspen thrill, swept, as he spoke O’er her gentle form—she trembled, a languid sigh awoke OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. Her faltering heart— Oh ! that it could speak her soul, Or thro’ her large, soft eyes, though silent, tell the whole : «[’ve come—I left my fevered couch, all earthly reasons flown — My heart, my soul, my thoughts, govern me now alone— But not the frenzied wanderings of reasons void-— No, no—such madness is happiness unalloyed, Compared with thoughts, while burning, yet they chill again, Though fearing I couldn’t—or would I, if I could—restrain— All nature rests, while through my veins alternate flow An icy stream -dissolving—then liquid fires glow, That madden; and, Oh! the stillness of this night's repose— To all but me--darken, yet reveal, my coming woes. Reflection, not of what has passed, but what the morrow brings— My shroud—my life !--Time heralds either, on his falcon wings; Oh, who could ponder calmly o’er, their star of hope decline, And seek not once in life again, to bow before its shrine ? Its radiance is so bright with hope, that scarce my eyes can view — Tho’ shine eternal day—may never set to me—Chieftain, that star is you !"— He stood amazed. ¢ My child, I feel your woe, but only now command.” “ Oh, power of mercy! I implore, bid me not leave this land.” I ——————————— Hi ¥ £ . it 8 1 = | Ei 0 y i i | i 1 4 | H 1 i i hE 1 i if i | | 48 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; He started! ¢ Then he’s your lord—Malverston’s claim is just.” « Mistake not; were it, twould only be the wretched curs’d.” “Then say what mystery, what magic, can your heart possess : How shall I grant your wish 7—may you to me confess ?” Her anguished bosom, half relieved, like lily ’neath the storm, Received this ray of light, it raised her drooping form— ¢¢ My noble friend—adopted brother—benefactor—all— No transient spell surrounds my soul, no fading thoughts enthral— Vast as the Ocean, on which we met—high as the Heavens around, There lives within my heart a love—a gratitude profound— In vain I tried to quell, that which I must reveal— Or lingering die consumed, by what I living feel : Such is my fate; these sentiments inspire my sinking heart, My world alone is here, how can I from that world depart ? Once left, you lost to me, all hope—all joy for ever ’s fled, My sun thus set; I sleep eternal, with the silent dead : In pity, then urge me not, to leave this happy shore, To breathe where’er you live, I sue for nothing more— To be thy child—companion—slave—to sooth thy hidden woe— To hang upon thy breath—be where erst thou be—go where erst thou go.” pre a ii on 5 Ee oe SCS a a CE OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 49 She ceased, the effort seemed, a struggle for her very life ; Within, a conflict raged, of deep and virtuous strife. A pause ensued, to her an age of hope and terror wild : The Chieftain spoke—she started—¢ Unhappy, faithful child, These deserts can afford, no home for such as thee; The ocean, or the mountain drear, are only fit for me; Tho’ grand their majesty, and beauteous to my sight, Such scenes too soon would weary you, and cease to yield delight ; Monotony would mark each passing day, unchanging as before, Like flood and ebbing tides, upon the rocky shore— Think of thy happy home, and friends now far away, Their sorrows would thy heart afflict—you must not, cannot stay With One, whose soul being seared, by deep interminable grief, E’en your devotion pure, to him, alas! could never yield relief.” As one reprieved, but scarce that word of hope ’s announced Hears it reversed, and sentence of their death pronounced, She gasped in horror, then raised and flung her arms wide, While on the midnight breeze, her vestments flowed aside, Disclosing from beneath their folds, a bosom delicately fair, Within whose dark recess, reigned frantic wild despair— nn a ERT: EE ans rate aii - = 50 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; : ‘ And o’er that bosom drooped a face and brow, of alabaster white, Motionless as marble—more pallid than the Moonbeams’ light: . : She stood—a vestal, calmly drooping, resignation in her mind, In which one spark yet lived to animate, and it must -be resigned. A long deep, struggling sigh AR then, her flkans speech : « Oh! Chieftain—light of my measured life—I only now beseech Your noble pity—blame not—my sin by love absolved — Unutterable vow—be calm—e’en I am now resolved : No fault is yours —on me alone all—all crime shall rest, | Desolation is my hope, by it I'm lost, by You for “ever blessed— ; My hour has come—a voice eternal, softly breathes—yet loud— : . Awakes my soul! and points yon ocean as any tomb, its waves my virgin shroud— : Quick shall my immortal spirit, wing its Heavenly flight To realms above, fom this dark endless night — Then !—then for you—oh! hear my last, my. sacred vow, Before my God in never dying prayer, my soul I'll bow— Oh! now farewell for ever.” She flung her robes apart, Her clammy hand was chill, she wildly his, pressed to her heart. oll ni . N : ; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 51 Dark clouds-rolled back, the Moon’s bright rays unfold, A moisture such as coming death imparts, o'er her fair features rolled. « Oh! Mighty Power! never did I feel before, such ice pervade My “heart, or ever hath it backward shrunk from death . “dismayed : In strife of war, on ocean—in struggle on the field— Till now—infaint like I tremble—your fate is dear my child—]I yield.” A wild, loud shri¢k arose, and pierced the rocky dell— A meaning sigh—hysteric laugh ensued,—Maria fainted— -fell : . The sea birds scared, and rising—screamed in fright— The mingled echoes rang, then died on that eventful night. A rosy-streak of early dawn, the spangling dews disclose, Maria—Ilike the morning star, in bright, in calm repose— Reclined upon her couch—the flickering lamp was fading fast, A smile, told all was peace within, a hectic blush, what » _ passed. * END OF THE SECOND‘CANTO. m—— A EE me RE aS TR ET THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. CANTO THE THIRD. Time rolled on: alternate, day by day, the prisoner’s toil In hewing wood, forming wharfs—in culture of the soil; To each according to his worth, a portion was assigned, Contented with their lot, no wants disturbed their mind. The Indian barks were laden, and bear to neighbouring lands, The produce of this Tribe—the sale of commerce thus expands. The Chieftain oft embarked, *twas said for isles not far away, Returning with munition stores—none knew where those voyages lay. Bold in each, enterprise—the Indians proudly saw, The Chieftain lead his men, and fling the loose lasso Around the fiery Steed, and check its wild career, Or shoot the Buffalo, and wandering herds ensnare. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 53 The Indian Tribe acquire wealth, neath industry and peace, Secured by just and equal laws, they daily now increase : Not here those noble Nature’s sons, their human duties end, Their souls lofty aspirations feel —before their God they bend, In pure devotion—not coerced, by terror, or by man’s decree, Charitable to all, yet proud their hearts—their spirits free, With intellectual power—expansive, unsullied, unconfined, By Heaven immortalized—to mortality on Earth resigned : And they had also joys, when from their toil unbent, In recreation they delight—in social merriment ; The wild fantastic dance, the Conch and mystic song, Of war and peace—the feast—the sound of Cymbal and of Gong. Such sounds had died away—the torches scarcely burn, Joyous had that festive been, for the stranger Chief’s return, From States, thro’ which he boldly to the wretched slaves proclaimed The Indian territory, a refuge from,where freedom is profaned. The Sun had traced the zodiac, and shed its blazing light Around the globe from north to south—’twas equal day and night } Thus when the earth revolves, and brings that mighty Orb on high, Shadowless upon the line, *neath its zenith in the vaulted sky, H Co A A EE SN Er a 54 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Annual within the torrid zone, while twice those epochs last Rage elemental war around—rain and whirlwinds blast : Thus were broke that night, the tones and shouts of revelry, And thus was stopped with mighty breath, the glad festivity. Malverston loathed the light—with sullen wayward soul, Yet smiled through subtle thoughts —he pined beneath controul. The torrent rain fell fast, and through the dark expanse, The thunders hollow roll, and lurid meteors glance ; The barks were strongly moored, the guards patrole the shore, The surges lash the beach, beneath the tempest’s roar : Faithful Maria sought unseen, throughout each midnight hour, The Chieftain’s lone retreat, beside the seaward tower, That night of storm she came, beneath a grotto’s bank, Exhausted with fatigue, silent upon its couch she sank :— "Twas pitchy dark—suddenly there broke upon her ear A voice suppressed—horrified she trembled ’twas so near; The words were hurried,— Strike sure! yonder I see him come.” Her blood congealed.—¢ This deed of retribution done We're freed from bondage—my chosen men shall do their gallant part— Aim high—be steady, and let this pierce his vile, his flinty heart I” OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 55 Shegasped for breath, and shrunk into a deep, a darker shade, A flash of livid light then struck upon a poignard’s blade ; She almost screamed—* Avert, oh gracious Heaven, and let him only live, Or let me perish.”—¢ When you have smote, the signal I will give, This pistols flash will quickly tell, to all my faithful band, When on their prey to fall.”—Oh! horror—she saw the Chieftain stand Within the assassin’s range—they lowly crouch’d unseen— A vivid glare lit all around—on him they sprang—ha ! she rushed between— He heard— then saw—he stepped aside, his sabre from its scabbard flew, The murderer's blow fell short, [it glancing failed,] but pierced her arm through. Less at this base attempt, than at Maria's being [in that moment] there, The Chieftain marvelled—her virgin blood was shed, could he the recreant spare ?— Swift he with a sudden jerk, the first assailant, downward flung— His sword was at his breast, then on the other fiercely sprung. This struggle silent, brief, and dark, marked only by the sabre’s clash, when lo! A broad electric stream, revealed Malverston, as the dastard foe, ee ———————————— —— RT i 56 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; Flung headlong now, beside his fellow ruffian, where he trembling lay, ; Suing for mercy from that one, coward-like he sought to slay. Just at that moment, through the fitful pauses of the gale, The sound of musketry from below, his wond’ring ears assail. Ah !miscreants shall I, your treachery now alone reproach ? When sudden, by the craggy glade, some Indians quick approach : 'Twas briefly told: a desperate party of the pirate crew Fell upon the guards—were fighting still—their numbers were but few. The Chieftain heard. Malverston ’s bound, and led by them away ; Maria ’s to her home conveyed. They join the wild affray. Astonished, they beheld the Indians, onward by the Chief- tain led. They saw the signal on the Cape, and thought him num- bered with the dead. Dismayed, surrounded, and cut off, their screams no pity find, The moanings of the dying foe, were lost upon the wind. This black conspiracy was crushed—delusive in its end; The few that fought surrendered now; before the Chief they bend ; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 57 They saw their crime, felt disgraced, and knew they were betrayed ; . Malverston, like a reptile stung, shrunk into turbid shade. Nought upon earth, to him, could yield relief, The longest year, brought deep and blacker grief’; Each tortuous day, to him a certain friend, Brought nearer still, the sad inevitable end Of all his sins, his sorrows, and his longings here; v And then a brighter life, in endless realms, where His soul might dwell eternal, on that golden shore Where frailty ends, and sighs are heard no more ; Where bliss for ever, casts its silvery ray ; Where time’s unmeasured span, thro’ endless day, Sheds o’er the soul a halo clear and bright, Chaste and refulgent essence of celestial light, By God to man immortal, thus hath given A spirit pure—eternal life in heaven. For him, he saw no peace, on earth was now-— He faintly sighed—athwart his harrow’d brow He drew his fevered hand ; the moisture, cold, Clammed on the palm—it was of icy mould. He raised his drooping head; his voice Was firm—for him was left no choice, He felt by sin proscribed—what could he give ? Nought for atonement, hence he dare not live ! RRR A - ¥ aR TT — ———— a 58 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Within his heart, the burning fire glows, An agony of mind—a death to all repose. Resolved to die—no being his blood shall shed, Or shall he linger on a fevered bed, Nor shall the shaft of war, his bosom rend, Or any common means, to death his spirit send ! Much less shall he, his self-destroyer be ; His doom assigned, no mortal eye shall see. The power alone, by which his life was given, Shall quickly take it hence !—That power is Heaven. This was the hour—it is night—the lightnings fly, And deal their fell destruction, thro’ the frowning sky ; The darts of death glance fast, and thunders roll In frenzied anger, and ’fright his trembling soul. His time had come, he hurried to yon promontory high, Round whose steep base, the foaming billows fly ; Upon the very verge of which, he calmly kneeled, O’er whose deep gulf, his fevered brain then reeled. His long Damascain blade he drew, and, rising high, Its hilt upon his brow, its sheen then pointing to the sky, By his right hand, its glittering blade was stayed, Around whose brilliant point, the vivid lightnings played. And calmly then resigned, he sighed his life away, Less patient than hungry vulture, for a living prey— OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 59 Till a fierce liquid bolt, descending, quivered—(‘ Heav'ns! he ’s gone !I”’)— And seared that fatal spot, where late he knelt upon ! Then nought was heard, save Death’s corse, whirling sound, In hollow plunges dull, from crag to crag, rebound, Till torn to fragments, in its downward way, It fell for ever, in the angry spray ; No drop of sanguine dye, that awful night was spilt ; A furrow marked the spot, where lay a sabre’s cloven hilt. Again was peace restored ; the tempest past, and morning smiles; The sun arose oer sea, o'er mount, and pierced the deep defiles. The Elders of the Indian Tribe, dssemble in the Hall of State, Deliberate on what had passed, and join in grave debate ; The import of the council fixed, they summon all around, Declare the motive of their will, just and most profound ; The Tribe then marshalled, when, lo! the Stranger Chief- tain came, Then as “Tue PrINcE oF Panama,” they loudly him proclaim ; Shouts of joy, the trumpets’ blast, in deafening echoes rang, , Blending with the wild huzza—gong and cymbals’ clang; 60 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; Then the fusilade of arms, swept "long the rocky shore, The barks are decked in banners gay—cannons loudly roar ; The privlege by which the Tribe, this title had bestowed, By Nature’s law conferred—to Heaven this right they owed, Sealed and rat'fied by their blood—to man they'd never yield; Entrusted to the Chieftain Prince, earned on flood and field ; The Chieftain Prince, now kneeling, vow'd by Heaven's Eternal Throne, Inviolate their trust and honor to preserve, sacred as his own ! A laurel Crown upon his brow, in honor, then they placed, Which precious gems surmount, with wreaths of gold enlaced. He rose, and now before The Prince, the concourse bends, While dulcet music played, its tone the silence rends; Foot and mounted Troops parade, in close and proud array— Thus dawned—and closed this thrice auspicious day, On Neuvo-Parestine from Natures bosom born, by Nature blest, The Mighty Being’s name, with peace and freedom engraved upon her crest. Unshackled commerce ! this new formed Province sought, And fleets of vessels then, the richest produce brought, Of all Carrebia’s Isles, along their circling range, Inviting to the Indian Tribe, for purchase or exchange— OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 61 Thousands that from Slavery fled, who burst their galling chains, Breathed liberty in Palestine and thronged her happy plains. The Prince and Elders of the Tribe [in council] wisely saw Augmenting numbers now, require a right, a given law: A code was formed, embracing all—thus their tenor ran, God! Justice! Order! Libertyand Freedom to every man, In adoration of the Mighty One, and not in trembling fear! They raised a Temple—they formed a’ Universal Prayer !* These laws concise, their administration brief, Whose wants were just, (not as disgrace) received relief. The public found employ, when private toil had ceased, Thus crime was stop’d, and numbers from necessity released : According to the wealth of each, progressive in its scale, Tribute to the State was paid, to meet the public weal. Secured ’gainst treason, or designs of man, By troops and guards : —thus this Infant State began. O’er Andes’ lofty range, the dawn of morning glows— Refract prismatic light, from off their crystal snows, And bursting forth, in life-like glowing beams, Fall with varied tints, on bright meandering streams— When hark ! a hundred trumpets sound the dulcet Reviellé, While lo! the Sun’s refulgent orb, proclaims the coming day ; * See page 1 of Nights of Solitude on Sea and Land. I 62 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Then brighter hues, dip down, and on the rippling waters - dance, Reveal a tented plain, and gild the spear and lance; And on the fleecy banners, which calmly hung supine, Glittered on helm and plume, along a marshalled line Of Neuvo-Palestina’s sons, who, by their Prince was led ; Before their gallant ranks, a brilliant prospect spread, Exploring wilds unknown, the frontiers of their state to trace, Ameliorating man by enterprise and peace. Where Magalina branches wide, her limpid currents stray, Thro’ forests dark, in tortuous march, the Army wound its way ; Then on her silent bosom calm, within the eddying tide, Light canoes, with arms and stores, in swift succession glide: For days the Cohorts, moved along, and swept the river's bank, "Till dark, beneath a mountain range, its deepening waters sank, O’erhung by lofty pines, that screened it from the light, A yawning chasm closed above, and frowned a partial night. Below, the murmuring flood, obscured to human eye ; Above, the mountains rise, and pierce the vaulted sky ; Abrupt in awful majesty, this giant rampart stands, Whose hoary crest, and shaded brow, man’s backward step commands! OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 63 * Those wilds and obstacles alone, the Prince’s hopes inspire Urge his onward march, and now his zeal they fire. One course preferred—the black and devious glade, The army forward moved, and pierce the caverns shade; A thousand torches burn, and light this subterranean maze, They cast upon the waters deep, a grim unearthly blaze, And glittered thro’ that region, lonely, drear, and dank, From whose arched crags, in bold relief, basaltic columns sank, Crystallized and colossal—ranged on either side, Then dipped in groups beneath, the still and latent tide, Upon whose rocky edge, a narrow footpath lay, And fringed this labyrinth of night, throughout its hidden way : Above, from gaping clefts, through which the day was seen, Refreshing breezes came, where sank some deep ravine. Encouraged by those glimmering rays, the army onward crept, Preceded by the light canoe, while sounds of bugle swept Throughout the sombre range, of this unknown arcade; The echoes deafening rang, and shook the vaulted shade. As if from out her mighty sleep, Nature in anger woke, Indignantly aroused !—upon their ears, thundering noises broke. 64 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; The waters of this hidden stream, an adverse current throws, And louder than the thunders roar, the torrent quicker flows; Still forward pressed the daring band, within this ghastly tomb, Surrounded by impenetrable night, within this world’s womb. Diverging sudden to the right, the cavern seemed to end, When lo! amazed, they now behold a lofty torrent bend, In foaming cataract, ranged across, whose waters block the way ; But oer its summit clearly dawned, the rays of coming day: Elate the Prince advanced, and neared this roaring deep, And followed by a chosen few, they trace a causeway steep, Which flanked the torrent, then through mazes darkly wend, Towards its watery crest; their steps they upward bend— The summit gained, the light of Heaven once more descends, And now before their eyes, a dazzling scene extends. Oh! wondrous Nature, seen by all, yet Heaven alone can tell The sacred mysteries deep, that in thy ample bosom dwell. The trumpet’s shrillest blast, the roaring cavern filled, Aroused the anxious troops, and thro’ theirbosoms thrilled, Then in rank entire, they mount and onward pressed, "Till issuing from the cavern’s mouth, they crown its rocky crest. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 65 The *venturous army halt and form; with wonder they survey, In varied beauty, ’neath their feet, a fertile valley lay. Encircled by a mountain range, inaccessible to man, And thro’ whose wooded dale, meandering streamlets ran, Then coursing flowed around, the low Savannah lands, While central on a lofty hill, an ancient City stands, Whose gold-topped turrets, her whitened walls sustain, And wound in gorgeous links, a bright and glittering chain, Around and thro’ a foliage, deep and richly green, There rose within this zone, that fair and sylvan queen. A thousand silvery streams, noiseless, and smoothly pour, Tributary to the swelling tides, that down the vortex roar A broken, wild cascade, whose Iris sprays arise In spangling tints above the troops, beneath cerulean skies. All gazed upon that scene, whose unknown plains entice To woo with novel charms, within this New Found Paradise; The Prince attended by his staff, their march toward the city bends, Thro’ verdant plains, and wooded heights, far as the eye extends. When on the river's bank, whose winding course they trace, Sudden emerging from a glade, appeared an unknown race Of men, whose form seemed cast in Nature's finest mould, Whose attitude and mien expressed, a soul supremely bold ; 66 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; With pride unconscious, erect like very gods they stand Secure, as if an Ocean world, rolled round their sacred land. Their costume strange, of variegated colors formed, Rich plumes of golden tint, their waist and heads adorned; While crimson robes were loosely o’er their shoulders flung, And dazzling feather shades to long lateens were hung, The point of each, on high, a ring of glittering bells surround, Which touched by every breeze, send forth a silvery sound: The Prince had paused, then swelled the bugles softest strains, And echoing swept in dulcet notes, along the fertile plains. Now wondering stare the new found Tribe, around and then on high, Amazed, as if those sounds descended from the vaulted sky; Again they’re still and mute, as bound by magic spell, "Till on the stranger band, their gaze in wonder fell, Those sounds had died away, throughout the wide expanse, And ‘circling round an Indian Chief, they slowly then advance. The Prince, who now by signs, their peaceful aspect greets With courteous mien and gestures mild, the Indian Chieftain meets, Who, as the circle opened wide, with measured step ascends, While harmony, in vocal strain, the sleeping silence rends OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 67 Louder than the trumpet blast-—more soft than waters flow, These tones sublime, made ev'ry heart beat high, ev’ry bosom glow : Before the Indian Chief and Tribe, the Prince his standard laid, Then bending low, as sign of peace, his naked breast displayed. The Chieftain spoke, in words unknown, raising on high his dexter hand, And pointing to the setting Sun, traced an hieroglyphic on the sand; Thus formed, a flying Horse, a radiated Star within a Sphere A Man without—a Female form—a Heart and then a Spear; His language lofty, wild and loud, which in primeval accents flow, By sounds alone a name was traced, of Za-ho-gwar-tho-a-zo ! Those words the country and the city’s name convey, The signs, expressing, wonder — peace uninfluenced by dismay. Za—A sacred spirit, or flowing waters mild— Ho—Sudden—abrupt—precipitous and wild— Gwar—The Sun—grand—sublime—refulgent—gold — Tho— Lofty—high—inaccessible and bold— A—Kind—humane—a female—one—alone— Zo—Encircling—love—a bright or silvery zone. ST CURR Ce 3 a ——— SS 68 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; The Chieftain spoke again, looking to where the city stands, By symbol then invites the Prince, extending both his hands, Outstretched they thus remain; the Prince reflecting, forward leant, And pointing to the Chieftain’s heart, obsequious, bowed assent : Now strains of minstrelsy arose, then sweet and vocal cadence fell, The Prince, surrounded by his staff, follow the Indians thro’ a dell, When winding round a point, and reached the river's mangroved shore, They saw a fleet of golden Prows, swiftly its surface skimming o'er; Each paddle like a silvery fin, the glittering spraydashed high, While those who urge their flying speed, sent forth a plaintive cry : The Chieftain and the Prince embarked, followed by the Indiar Tribe, And fleeter than the ocean sprites, they o'er the waters glide. Through lofty hills and pasture lands, the limpid river strayed, And narrowing to a placid stream, was deeply sunk in shade; The Orb of day declining fast, the forests inthe west emblazed, Its rays obliquely tinged the clouds—the strangers stood amazed ; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. | 69 For lo! within two giant Cliffs, was seen the City in the van, They enter by a Turret range, and thro’ a marble arch’s span That sprang triumphal from the shores, in lofty gothic form, While balustrades of bronze and gold, its Capitals adorn; Now o'er the mountain’s hoary brow, dart forth the rays of light, The glowing Sun was sinking fast, and left the world in partial night. Through lofty Columns they onward glide, burnished by the parting rays, Through wild Arcades of shadowing Palms, that line the gorgeous Quays, When now an hundred golden bells, in loud and measured tones begun, And thousands then in worship fell, before the bright and setting Sun !— Then chorussed voices swelled high, and chaunted out the daylight’s close, The bells rang loud their echoing chimes, then all with joyful strains arose; The veil of night now fell, and torch bearers through the City stand, They shed around a ruddy glare; the Prince and Indian Tribe then land ; They're guided through a Colonnade, to where three Rivers meet, And radiating from the centre there, extended every street; K apne 70 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; While there upon a circling range, of massive pillars’ crests, Frowning o'er a mirrored Lake, an ancient Palace rests— Beneath, around its architraves, the mingling water glides ; Within this old and lofty pile, the Cacique* of the State resides— A man of lengthened years, whose line of ancestry was traced Through phases of the world’s age, that Time had now effaced ; The centre of this pile, a Temple to their God adorned— An hundred figures of stupendous size, its lofty Columns formed ; From off their shoulders, right and left, enormous Arches sprang Upward. to a glittering Dome, in radiant segments ran; And high upon this gorgeous sphere, refulgent in display, Rested on a Giant Form, the golden Orb of Day. With apertures of oblong shape, its turrets round were pierced, Then cross each orifice slight tendon cords were laced— "So when the gentle zephyr breathes, or tempest loudly moans, The passing winds, in cadence sweet, sent forth harmonious tones. In double lines, from roof to roof, Papiria lamps suspend, While Palm trees thro’ the Town, in shadowing aisles extend; Fonts, jet d’eaux, and golden Towers, a fairy scene presents, Round streets with silver ingots laid, swept marble bat- tlements. * The King. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 71 Her natives in complexion ranged, from white to copper hue ; Her women fair, of perfect form, with eyes of azure blue. Guards, with sabre, bow, and lance, parade in martial rank, And guide the Prince to every part ; thence to the river’s bank ; The streams, continuous to the north, in rustling currents flew; Embarking with an escort band, he bid this wondrous place adieu. Onward o'er the hurrying stream, their course they down- ward steer, And faster than the Dolphin’s speed, they urge a swift career, When on before the flying prows, they see the cataract’s haze, Rising, in a misty shroud, above the bivouac’s blaze, Whose fires ranged along the hills, and touched the river’s brink, Till, plunging in the yawning gulf, its gurgling waters drink ; Where late the Prince and Staff embarked, close to a forest dell, Again he pressed this sacred shore, then wished the Indian Chief farewell. Slow and silent in their march, the sleeping Camp they near, Till, close within the picquet’s range—the sentry’s challenge hear; san ATS nt 4 - 72 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; « Halt! — Who goes there >—Give watchword and the counter-sign !” ¢ The Prince !—all hail ”—Then swept the bugle sounds along the tented line ; The tents are furled, the army, in double ranks combined, Move off, ascend the gorge, and down the causeway wind, Then, by the torches’ glare, retrace the hidden waters’ verge, Till, from this life’s sepulchral shade, they happily emerge Into their native State, and marvel at the wonders past, While joyful the cymbals played, according with the trum- pet’s blast. The day was waning fast, receding from the heavens’ vault, A thunder-storm was sweeping by, the wearied Cohorts halt. The smiling Sun burst forth, and frowning clouds then passed away, When, from a mountain range was seen, a host in arm’d array, Nearing from the west, their lengthened ranks were traced; When, lo! appeared another force, advancing from the east ! Alike, the motive or the cause, of this unknown menace— Well combined, the movement seemed, simultaneous in advance. The Prince maintained a height between, that ranged above a glade, Preventing thus, with double front, a junction being made ; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. These armies cross the Plain, while on before is seen, A troop of horse from either side—the one of Carthagene, The other of Santa Marta’s State, known by their ensign’s hue. They near the Prince’s Staff, then loud their trumpets blew; The Chiefs on either flank rode up; with vain and haughty air, The import of the march pronounce, they loudly then declare, «Partition of the Province, north and south, by Rio Madaline — The east for Santa Marta’s State, the west for Carthagene.” Throughoutthe ranks, from front to rear, asullen murmur ran, The Prince invites, with courteous mien, the Chieftains to the van; Brief were his words, as thus he spoke, in calm and lofty tone: « Sires,— Your power to subjugate, we solemnly disown These sons, not hostile to your states—by freedom they are blest— Your ally in each holy cause, ’gainst tyrrany, we protest ; By this they stand unmoved—with liberty they fall; Sacred is their right—no threat their souls appal. I conjure, therefore, by that Trust, held dearer than the light of day, Return within your native States, and mention what we say. These Sons of Neuvo Palestine, you see upon that field, May die beneath your swords, but they will never yield; 74 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; Outnumbered, they may fall, crushed by a host of warriors brave ; Their land, not them, you may subdue, and triumph oer their grave.” Along the Indian line, applauding shouts of joy arose, Of confidence in coming fight—defiance to their foes ; The Chiefs returned from the Prince, despising what he said, Their bugles sounded the advance—the whole to arms fled. The Indian troops, deploy in line, their ’vantage ground preserve In eschelon of Cohorts formed; around a strong reserve A cloud of skirmishers advance, and press the rising ground, A pattering fire then ensued, the whizzing bullets sound ; The Prince’s force march northward now, towards the Indian Town— A moving fight commenced—on either flank the hostile armies frown. In columns parallel to the ridge, the enemies advanced, And, by a desperate blow, this movement they menaced, Unchecked, the summit of the hill, by them was nearly gain’d, They thought the victory was won, their prowess unrestrain’d. At that false moment, when by hope, of easy conquest flushed, A column, which the Prince reserv’d, upon the assailants rushed, And onward charged their ranks, they shrunk beneath the steel, A galling fire mowed them down, then wavering, back- ward reel. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 75 The Neuvo Palestineans’ perfect form, those onslaughts well sustain, On either flank the daring foes, attempt the heights to gain; Alternate is each furious charge, while cavalry swept back, But curt was the dire repulse, that marked each blood- / stained track. In phalanxed masses on the left and van, Carthega’s troops pressed near ; Saint Marta’s soldiers on the right, hovered around the rear; The deadly fire on either side, in showers of lead, thus crossed, And enfilading every rank —the day was nearly lost. When one alternative the Prince conceived, bold as the raging tides, His bugles sounded a retreat—his forces he divides; Then wheeling on a centre point, two columns formed abreast, The rearward retrogrades its march, the foremost onward pressed ; The foés of either now in front-—thus freed the rear and flanks, A silent, steady charge is made ; they penetrate the ranks Of either foe—and then a murderous fire began ; The Prince brought up a strong reserve; the strife “twixt man and man, In ruthless fury raged around, supported by a deadly fire; The invaders of the Indian soil, quivering, rally, then retire: 76 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Then shouts of victory arose, the trumpet’s blast loud rings, The Prince his lines extended, and overlapped their yielding wings. Auspicious moment of the fight, the shattered ranks they close ; Tmpetuous the Indians pressed—a panic seized the foes; The vanquished troops were hurried on, like chaff before the wind, And those who stood the desperate charge, were to the sword consigned. Therout ! the rout! on every side, was sounded as they fled, A wreck of arms strewed the ground, ‘midst dying and the dead ; The firing slackened in its rage, in every step was headlong flight, When carnage closed that awful day, enshrouded by the pall of night : Triumphant, then, the troops unite, bivouacked by a running stream, And strong picquets are posted round, the camp wherein their fires gleam. Sons of Neuvo-Palestine reposed, victorious in the past affray, Slumbering on the field of fame, now gilded by the dawning day, — OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 77 Above the mountains in the East, the sun its glorious rays displayed, A heavy cloud then intervened, and seemed its mighty orb to shade, And then a sighing wind swept past, and moaning forth its chilling breath, As tho’ the Heavens withdrew its light, from off that horrid field of death; For there, as on a rugged beach, beneath the tempest’s blast, Were scattered ruins of the foe, like shipwrecked fragments cast— As vessels torn in a storm, tossed shoreward by the mighty deep, of hundreds lay, in death’s cold clammy sleep; There heaps still lingered on the The groans of wounded friend and foe, morning air; The broken lance, cloven casque, mangled corse, and bloody spear ; The gun, the sabre, the neighing steed with crimson’d hoof and mane, In horrid heterogeneous mass, strewed o'er the ensanguined plain. Oh, ruthless war! of hellish birth, what impulse can thy furies urge ?— What pretext can such horrors find, infernal in thy demon scourge 7— » — . ITO RD TT: 78 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; How long is man, in blind caprice, to bow before thy sam- guine shrine— To court thy vapid honour’s name, unsanctioned by all laws Divine ? The despot may unsheathe the sword, by gold send forth the fiery brand ; The attribute of the brave and free, is onlyto defend their land. Thus this infant State released, from that unhallowed chain Tyrants were about to forge, and freedom breathed again. The march resumed, the trumpets sound, northward the army bends, While shouts of triumph through the dale, the slumbering silence rends. The valley crossed, the river gained, its seaward course is traced, The wounded and the captured spoil, in light canoes are plac’d.” Through forests dark, through deep defiles, and over moun- tains high, : Till, ’neath the magnet’s faithful point the Ocean they descry, Then joyous cheers, then banners wave, and then the loud huzza! As close beneath their gallant front, smiled forth the Indian Bay. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 79 The vanguard reach the town, with praises loud the natives greet— The tidings of the victory spread, they issue out the Prince to meet. Strewed is the line of march with flowers, in honor of the wonders done ; Cymbals clash and bugles sound: hail! the conquering heroes come. Triumphal arches, oerspread the path, neath which the valiant soldiers past, While virgins sang a loud applause, mingling with the trumpets’ blast. And now a snowy train approached, soft as the moon- tinged cloud— One was there in graceful form, to her the concourse bowed. A Lion and a Lamb were linked, emblem of a golden tie ; Peace and conquest laurel crowned, adorned that pageantry ; With silver shackles, double linked, and led in silken reins, Held by a troop of Indian maids, who chanted dulcet strains. The train the army met—its star of beauty shone serene— Maria was that radiant light—its mild and azure Queen. The Chieftains and the staff drew near, a noble, warlike band, The Prince, advancing from their head, received the Fair One’s hand; : The palm and laurel wreath she bore, around his sword were twined, While rose and myrtle crowns, his standard folds confined. Tr RI 80 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA. As new-blown flowers of chivalry, these troops of stern renown Were hailed victorious from the field, within their native town. Then to the Elders of the State, the Prince and Chiefs unfold The historyof the newfound tribe; their gifts of gems and gold, With even hand dividing—to those who in the army serv’d, And portions for the public use, were equally reserved. Applauding revelry went round, and swelled each ardent breast, In greetings to the victors tired—till all had sunk in rest. END OF THE THIRD CANTO. THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. CANTO THE FOURTH. Few days had passed away, when, near the Indian shore, A lofty Bark was seen approach, Cartageo’s flag she bores nshotted boom And one of truce was at her main; a gun’s u Is heard; a boat then lowered—the Bay was entered soon : A herald from that State, arrived with overtures of peace, To join as ally, should Palestine, the prisoners made release ; With invitation to the Prince, to ratify the act conveyed pact made. In Cartagena’s Senate-house, to sign the com The Elders in a Council met, and weighed the message sent, The Prince resolved to seal the deed, then proferred his assent. : The herald’s mission done, Cartageo’s bark set sail, And parted from the Indian Bay, before a favouring gale. The treaty by the Elders signed, the Prince’s Brig is stored ; Followed by a chosen crew, he then repaired on board, 82 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; Beneath loud salvos from the guns, which swept along the vales; The trumpets’ blast re-echoed them—a light wind swelled the sails. He reached that graceful bark, and mounts her warlike side— | Once more upon the deck he loved—that field of fame and pride. | The boatswain’s thrilling whistle blew, the word to call all | hands— Each at their stations, fore and aft.—the Prince in Chief commands. Silent they stand; the word “Haul taut,” then ¢ Sheet the topsails home ”— Swift to each yard-arm they fly, white as the billow’s foam. “ All halyards man! let go the down-hauls! hoist away !” Royal and topgallant sheets extend, light as the ocean spray. The sun to its meridian came, and breezes grew less faint, The bark dragged at the cable tight, impatient of restraint, And now the messenger ’s brought to, then round the capstan led, The bars are manned, the anchors torn, from out its 00zy bed ; ; The forward sails obliquely laid, aback upon the masts— ( After-yardsare shivering thrown, to seaward then she casts : OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 83 The leeward braces manned, then round the vessel wheels, Till the head-yards are full—the wind abeam she feels. «Ease off the sheets, let draw, and lay the main-yard square;” And now her fleecy bosom swells, "neath breezes from the rear. ps ina A ER en, Cn To hal ot ER of « All hands make sail ”—the sliding booms, beyond yard- arms bend ; : Aloft the canvass soars, swanlike her snowy wings extend, An aerial spirit form—majestic oer the ambient deep, Noiseless while thus she glides, in her mysterious sleep ; But roused by winds or war, her plumage waves on high, Responsive to the gale—she reels to death or victory. i r magic slumbers A cannon’s sound, a rustling breeze, he g broke, The waters rippled round her Bow — she seemed as tho awoke, That spell dissolved—beneath the parting signals roll, Which now o'er ocean died away, but pierced Maria's soul ; And she was left alone—sad, watching at that hour, The parting sunshine of her heart, like day’s revolving flow’r. That sun receded fast—she felt of all bereft, For ¢’en the Prince's youthful page, had with his master left. Swiftly now the bark glides on, tho’ light the breezes blew, Outstripping far the rippling waves, that off her prow she threw. 84 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA | She seems to revel in delight—as one restored again To her own broad and trackless home, the wild and bound- less main ; Formed for speed, prepared to war, for empire o'er the sea, Fleet as a spirit of the waves, she bounded light and free. Now in her rear the distant shore, to view was sinking fast, The Prince exulted in her flight, before the fresh’ning blast ; «Broad on the larboard* bow, a sail on starboard tack, Square rigged—a ship of war—her hull long, low, and black.” ¢¢ Mast-head look out !—point the direction where you say ” «She ’s running large, steering to the north, and now she bears away.” Swept the long telescope, till lo! within its field is seen, The bark descried aloft, beneath her peak an ensign green— St. Martha's flag.—Silent the Prince regards his recent foe ; A flash! a distant sound! Prompt the command, ¢ Our banners show !” Swift to the swinging gaff, as from her course she veers, Ascends the snow white flag; the stranger vessel nears— A large corvette, ‘neath spreading sail, shortening as she nearer drew— Her courses in festoons are laid, when on the beam she rounded to. * The word * larboard” is quite discontinued now in the naval profession ; the word “ port,” which is synonymous, is substituted. The auther, how- ever, uses the former in this instance as being more euphonious. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 85 A brilliant flash !—a sound !—a shotted gun its iron missive sent, Direct o'er masts, and through the air, it whizzing swept till spent, ‘And then imperious sounds—the trumpet voice hail : 4 Brig a-hoy ! bear up beneath our lee, and shorten sail.” «A truce by Cartagene proclaimed,” aloud the Prince replies. « Death ! is the rebel’s truce ; dare you our will despise ?”’ « Profoundly so, and on the justice of our cause we rest.” Scarce had the Prince, these words in stern tone expressed, When forth a flood of fire, belched its sulphureous wings, Then thro’ the cordage of the bark, a mettle shower rings. Prompt he commands—his orders swelled on high; The drum and fife loud beat—to quarters now they fly. That sound which stirs Britannia’s sons, like monarchs of the wave : «To battle haste ye, gallant Tars, to conquer or the grave ; To freedom now you're called, to crush oppression’s sway ; Your cause is now for liberty—for empire o’er the sea. Behold yon Ocean rolling wide, whose billows loud can tell; Victorious rolls Britannia there, surrounded by the brave who fell ; Their spirits rise, they call on you, to vanquish or to die; Their battle souls move o'er the deep—* Shipmates,” loud they cry, 86 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; ¢All hail! brave Tars, who proudly own, a Briton’s stern mould, Whose hands are steel, of birthright free, whose hearts are purest gold, Our souls descending from aloft, fast oer the billows glide, Encircling now Britannia’s car, they wheel her o’er the tide ; In triumph at the battle’s call —to view the angry fight, Remember how of old we bled, to seal our country’s right ; How thousands, millions, fell in war, upon these very waves, There, beneath this azure field, they found their oozy graves. Oh, fight as we, of ancient days, amid the tempest’s blast ; Your sabres sharp, your cause is good, your flag nail to the mast ; We re happy now in realms above~—faithful while below; We lived! we loved ! in war we died! and conquered every foe I’” Quickly now the guns are mann’d, and broadsides they pourin, Replying with destructive fire, ring through the battle’s din, The weather-gage the Prince maintained, by filling every sail ; To cross his bow the Corvette tried, the brig hauled to the gale; Saint Martha's bark came to the wind, and glided o’er the tide, : The brig luffed up, and forged a-head, but touched the corvette’s side ; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 87 A shower of bullets swept fore and aft, the vessels grappled fast— A cloud of boarders ranged aloft, descending by the shrouds and mast, Down on the brig they plunge, a bristling hedge of steel, On deck they crowd—then like an angry monster reel; The sabres swept, the cannons roar, and havoc wildly raged ; The Prince’s men, in compact form, confront the foes they now engaged ; The corvette put her helm down, to heave upon the othertack. Loud the Prince commands; « Trimmers away, throw every sail a-back ; Haste, cut the grappling-ropes, to keep us from the lee; Brace round the foremast yards—three cheers! our bark is free !” The Brig with stern way, swept backward in the wake, Her broadsides range athwart the foe, whom gallingly they rake. The hundreds now on board—are met on every flank, Surrounded in the desperate strife, their blood the sabres drank, And thus cut off they fight in vain, for quarter then they cry, But deadly told each cut and thrust, in ranks of slain they lie: Peel upon peel the cannons roar, the corvette seemed a wreck, The mainmast went, close by the board, the firing swept her deck ; GE Ta oT LR a a ai eRe = 88 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA] The rudder shot in twain —her foresail caught on fire, While thunders of the battle rage, in dread and fearful ire ; The flames devouring rose, then spread from fore to aft, And glaring o’er the crimsoned sea, envelope the hostile craft. And now redoubled swells that fight, upon each ruthless side, While blood-stained rolled, in sullen surge, the deep and angry tide ; The gale increased, and swept aloft the flakes of blazing light, Which lent a demon, awful glare, to fast-approaching night, The corvette rolled from side to side, when lo! her foremast fell, The sails waved fire thro’ the air, like burning floods of hell ; Then shouts and screams arose, the tempest drowned their dirge, The waves their crested foam rolled on, and broke in hollow surge. And day had gone, the ebon night, had spread its mantle o’er, While sharp was heard the pumps quick clank, between the cannons roar ; The foes who pressed the Prince’s deck, all to a man were slain ; The firing from the corvette ceased, then silencereigned again ; The mastless hulk in dark outline, with gaping, burning sides, Reeled to and fro volcanic glare, upon the ensanguined tides. pa Ey OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 89 Now, hark ! a horrid shriek arose, that swept in piercing thrill, The gale a moment paused, the waves recoiled, then all was silent still— And dark as death, no wreck was seen, no fiery spectre glows, Phosphoric whirlpool marked alone, the grave, where sank the foes. The tempest blew again, and thro’ the shattered cordage moans, And wafted o’er therising sea, the wounded’s piercing groans; And thus the combat closed—thus into death are hurled The foes that dare Britannia’s tars, whorule the watery world : And now the victors, thoughtful leant upon their sabre’s hilt, Wearied in the pastaffray, reflecting o'er the blood they spilt. Like vulture soaring o’er its prey, watching for the parting life, The bark lay to, that dreary night, soaring o'er the scene of strife ; Her tattered canvass floating wild, like eagle wings outspread, Ascending high, now plunging deep, midst mangled heaps of dead; The winds subside, slow broke the dawn, revealing fragments of the foe that sunk— Seared spars, shattered boats, and many a headless, ghastly trunk, He A ar 4 a So ——— An common: a Hi | 90 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; Now floated by the vessel’s side, tossed on the slumbering deep, The early dews of morning fell, as tho’ the heavens were wont to weep In sorrow o’er the fell result, that urged the dire affray, Whilerosy tints of coming morn, disclosed the blushing streaks of day. The brig refitted, sails rebent, victoriously her course she steers, The sun its high meridian passed—set—when Cartagena’s Port she nears, The frowning Cape is rounded close, while onward flew the gallant bark, Then entered is the harbour safe, as night spread out its mantling dark— Then luffing to, with heeling sweep, she feebly stems the rippling tides, The topsails lowered, the anchor’s cast, proudly now the vessel rides. A herald in the guard-boat came, with invitation to the Prince addressed, Who straight on shore repaired, attended as an illustrious guest ; A thousand lights shone bright, in Cartagena’s Hall of State, There a Gala swelled that night, thronged by chosen and élite ; OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 91 Landed now the Prince and page — the herald led the way Thro’ ranks of flambeaux held aloft, and troops in proud array ; When reached the lofty Porch, then drum and trumpet sounds «« Honor to the Prince” announced, Prince of Panama thrice resounds; Entered now that gorgeous Hall, when Chieftains on the Stranger gaze, Where Cavaliers and Spanish fair, joined in the waltz’s maze ; The Prince passed onward still, escorted thro’ the whirling dance, With courteous bend and lofty mien, he met the smile or haughty glance, *Till reached the further end — presented to the Senate's Chief, A proud reserve—a pompous air, mark’d the greeting chill and brief. Unmoved the Prince received this cold salute, with loftier distance still, While music swelled on high, and hundreds glided in the soft quadrille; Slowly he turned from the throng, and leant against a pillar’s side, Flinging apart his mantle folds, then linked his arms in silent pride, al BE IE SS Ye > . seme “ a oo - ce ———————————— * : . 92 . THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; He stood a column formed for fame, with rays of honor as its crest, The star he wore, tho’ silent, told the heart that beat within his breast. Again he moved, when now approached—Senators who there preside, « Stranger !” said one, “know you, these are those nobles you deride— Obedient to this State’s command, hither you have wisely come— The work to yield a rebel Tribe — tho’ late, hath well begun ; Twas better far for those, who oft in ignorance you swayed Earlier submission given, than have their trust by you betrayed.” « Methinks,” replied the Prince, « Your presidential voice but ill befits this place— Some strange mistake deludes your mind, can you a solemn deed erase; Is this a time for reason’s sway—to wield a nation’s fate— In revelry to question right—to guide a grave debate ? What motive Sirs, can you inspire to launch sarcasm now, Assumption in secure power, with insult brand a sacred vow ? . Betray ! no, no! let annihilation come— You vainly taunt, Treachery may crush—my honour’s pure— President and Priests, avaunt !” OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 93 He turned, averted was his gaze, it withering fell; they shout, « Stranger stand, depart not hence—Ho, there ! our guards without.” The Prince, transfixed, stood with his page—the guards rushed in, His sabre from his scabbard flew, they stand at bay—mnor grapple him ; The concourse pressed around, the troops a closer circle drew, Their bayonets fixed, then on the Prince and page they flew. He’s seized, disarmed, aud lead away, a victim to a treacherous snare, "And hurried thro’ monastic vaults, deep as the terrors of despair; A Council-chamber dark and chill, received the Prince within its shade, A mockery of ajustice court,in mitred cowl, was there arrayed, And smoking lamps emitted flame, livid in this dungeon’s gloom— Crucifix and chalice cup, decked that inquisitorial tomb ;' Three Monks preside in judgment there, who charges grave proclaim, Uttering in a stern voice, ‘ Prisoner, we demand your name.’’ The Prince described his mystic sign—when loud the three pronounce « Jesu, Maria, behold! a Sorcerer there, as such we him denounce.” AI mr i ——————— EB, 94 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA; He smiled in scorn, he stood erect, on him their scowl was thrown, « Bow you to saints—nameless thing ?’ — «My saints are centred in One God alone, To Him I kneel ; to saints or man, no, no!” Vile heretic! the Elder cries, « Nameless, saintless, soulless one, thus you we anathematize; Here place, to surrender, on this scroll, your fiendish latent sign, The people’s right you govern now, your own to that resign, While yet there ’s time in pity given, your hated life to spare, Hark that knell’s vibrations end, you die!” — «Never! I devoutly swear !” The sound rang hollow, deep, and low, the Prince more calmly stood-- The headsman held the gleaming axe, bedim’d with recent bload, His eyes serene, nor anger swelled his heart. “In merey we relent, We banish you from hence, in solitude, perchance you may repent.” « Never! unrighteous judge, but now I sue my sorrow to assuage, Take bence this life I freely yield—or give my faithful page Permission, in my exiled doom, to share his master’s fate.” « Ho, there! guards, haste this man away; your prayer is now too late.” — OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 95 Straight was he bound in chains, his eyes shut out from light, Then hurried through a postern arch, and led on board, that night, A bark which lay without the port, that bore him far away, Till reached a desert Isle, a sandy speck upon Carrebia’s sea. In dead of night they neared that Quay, and led him to the beach; Blindfolded, he was cast on shore, and soon they ‘re out of reach ; He tore the bandage from his brow, he saw nor boat nor bark; - The surf rolled on that lonely isle, all, all around was dark. The morrow dawned, and then he stood, a pillar ‘midst the ocean foam, With base submerged, yet proudly rose, centred in a world alone. A stunted herbage crowned that spot, one single Palm-tree there, Bent its tall form and nodding gave, the exile sombre cheer, And waving in the morning breeze, the shining foliage moved, As tho’ it welcomed One to share, its silent solitude. The heartless traitors left a store, but Nature gave the rest, Bountiful tho’ man proscribe, his wants with food were blest. Hours and days swept on—the varying seasons roll, Proclaiming loud to all, Heaven’s undying image of the soul; een Cte ———— . 96 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA ; While round this mighty globe’s revolving segments show, Unnumbered glittering spheres, within the Sun beams glow, Which pass immensity, then thro’ the graduated zone, And visit vast expanse, and worlds yet unknown. To man thus Nature, as to the whole, unerring brings, Change from creation’s dawn, upon Time’s rapid wings, Yet still immutable, unending, that which ne’er began, Time in eternity—space—immeasurable span— And Man, whose essence pure, enshrined by God’s decree, Within His own exalted form—earth his nativity, With intellectual powers—a Heaven-soaring mind, THERE a life immortal, to mortality HERE resigned.— 'T was night; lightnings flash, tempest and thunders sound, | He looked above—beyond, a world of waters stretch’d around, Nought broke the void, from where the gloom and lowering sky, Seemed joined to the ocean’s verge, distracting to the eye, To where he stood, the wreck of man, misfortune’s child, Save the broad angry Main, in conflict dark and wild; His heart prophetic sank, saddened in his heaving breast, Tho’ banished now, he felt by solitude, supremely blest, Tho’ prone upon a fragment of this earth, loan, chill, and drear, His soul this impulse felt— he knew his God was near; i Sh SE a a OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 97 Around, above, beneath, announced His hallowed name, Unbounded are His mercies still, all, all his works proclaim. Hail! sorrow, come extend thy sombre shade, Let every ray of hope, and every impulse fade, O’ershadow all, and joy, and love, and fear, Sink in oblivion, every hope most dear, Of Him whose life to woe, is now consigned, To Fate’s dire mandate, bows himself resigned ; He bends, without the breathing of a sigh, Indifferent to life’s end—the turn of a die— Destined to endure—all he dare not tell — In solitude of sorrow, on this Isle to dwell, Perhaps for years, perchance a moment brief, No change to cheer, no balm to yield relief— Save one—the calm, cold, silent tomb, The only certain measure of his doom. Hurricane’s rage aloud, in ominous and sullen roar, Angry billows swell around, this sandy and half-foundered shore, ' The foaming surges swept the beach, enshrouded by its whirling spray, When, lo! the Exile, through the gloom, observed a faint and glimmering ray, Which now ascended high in air, then, like a meteor’s flight, Downward, shooting in the deep—buried in the sable night; A A STI SS HRs En PERE, Sk ———— a w—— 98 THE PRINCE OF PANAMA. Again it rose, and neared the Isle, quivering on the ruffian wave — A moment, and again it fled, plunging in its Ocean grave ; And then a flash, a vivid glare, that lighted up the pitchy dark, When close within the boiling surf, was seen a small, a helpless bark. “(O God!” the banished Prince exclaimed, ¢“ Thy merey’s power show, Save, oh, save my fellow man, avert this dire and fatal blow.” Again the lightning’s glare shone out, upon the mountain tide, A Brig is seen, labouring there, stubborn at her anchor’s ride. Peal on peal the thunders roll, light and livid poured the flame, Now a lesser bark, high borne, within the refluent breakers came, Mounting up, then plunging down, swift as an arrow from the bow, Fearful hovering on the crest, when broad again the light- nings glow. “ God of Creation! do I rave—no—oh, no—spare, oh, spare, I see my faithful Page again—oh, wonder ! and Maria there ! Tempests ring my requiem loud, hear my last, my sacred vow, Once more I clasp them to my heart, my long sought doom is then or now— He paused not—to the raging winds his mantle then is given, Plunging forward thro’ the surf, resigned to death for ONE in Heaven. OR, STRANGER CHIEFTAIN. 99 Continuous glow the lightnings now, as tho’ the Angels smiled to see, Attributes of the soul of man—proud of such fidelity, The boat had touched the beach, the exile’s hand was on its prow, Maria and the faithful page, outstretched their arms towards him now— While bending o’er the side, struggling ’gainst the foaming main, Which rose and fell in fierce cascade, in vain they try the shore to gain; Again they touched the strand, and back recoil — then drifted past— The boat is hurled by the beach; the Brig is torn—to lee- ward cast— | A darker night enveloped all—they re on the Alpine Ocean tost ! Heavex alone can tell their doom, or if they re to the World lost. THE END. a Ba og GR ARE Spt Sa Sh n—— — — i — a i esl — - asa NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE ] ON SEA AND LAND. MAN’S ADORATION OF GOD. “ — queeque ipse miserrima vidi, Et quorum pars magna fui.” Vira. Zn., Lib, II. On, GREAT ETERNAL PARENT !—merciful Divine ! Author of all !—a hallow’d name be Thine. Thou, O Almighty ! whose vast works astound, Whose blessings through the universe resound, Whose bounty ever from Thy Throne descends, Munificently just, to work Thy righteous ends ;— Pardon, oh, pardon Thy sinful suppliant now, Who, penitent in humble prayer, presumes to bow, With lowly heart, with desolated mind, To Thy great will, joyfully resigned, For Thou, O God! whose name be ever blest, Knowest all things, and see’st what is best, Look down in pity, let Thy will be done, Hear this faint prayer, ere my race be run; With soul sincere I humbly now implore— I ask your blessing—1I sue for nothing more; | NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE. 101 Prostrate on earth, before Thy Heavenly Throne, Conscious of Thy holy will, Thy mercies ever shown, I breathe the fervent vow—the supplicating sigh— Faith in Thy attributes, Omniscient One on High. Virtue and goodness, descend alone from Heaven, By Thee, O God! to man, on earth are given; For mercy, glory, and blessedness be ever thine, While heartless ignomy and sin, are only mine. Endowed with reason, from creation’s morn, Man stands erect, nature to adorn ; The image of his God upon his soul impressed, His essence pure, created to be blessed. Benign and bounteous Thou, O God! we know, Would’st not man’s death, his sorrow, or his woe, Without thy power—without thy blessed aid, Man is in sin—Dby sinful thoughts betrayed— Tho’ he has power, the paths of vice to see, Naught can he shun, without a prayer to Thee! He imitates thy works, he aims at every part, Tho’ ignorant of all, he knows enough for art; Hence successive ages, since his race began, Ameliorate his life, and teach him to be man; With all those gifts, by Nature ever blessed, Man yields to self, by fellow man oppressed ; Nor he in charity or love, to man would ever do, That he from others wished, altho’ his wants are few ; This is not Thy will, O God !—Thy laws are mild; This is not human—humanity defiled. Man in the early dawn of nature stood, Proud in his form, innocent and good; Simple, till beguiled, by mystery and man; In artificial zeal, his sorrows first began ; Till then he saw on earth, thro’ every passing hour, 0 eT ! a NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE The majesty and mercy, of his Maker’s power ; With mind serene and calm, with elevated soul, He saw the lightning’s flash, he heard the thunders roll, Resigned he bowed his head, devout, but not in fear; He loved those works, they told him God ! was near. Thy glorious Orbits of eternal light, The Sun by day, the Moon and Stars by night, Tell of such mercies, wisdom so profound— All, all declare, Thy wond’rous works around, Above—heneath—beyond the mortal scan, Reveal Thy truth to Thy created man. The wide expanded heaven’s unending scroll, Beneath whose azure vault, boundless oceans roll, Interminable, immutable, beyond all time— Stupendous nature, infinity sublime, Pervading all, reveal to every land, The wondrous mercies of Tuy ALmicaTy HAND. RETROSPECTION. Alone on the picture of youth’s happy dawn, Is pourtrayed the elysium of life, But, alas ! it dissolves, like mists of the morn’, To disclose the first sorrows of strife. As bright dreams that too soon hurry past, Leave reflection to mar, or console, As the mirror of conscience on to the last, It accompanies life to its goal. ON SEA AND LAND. So thought through its infinite glance, In its vastness pervading the whole, Should pass through Virtue’s expanse, And thus be the ESSENCE OF SOUL. ADIEU TO THE BERMUDAS. Farewell, ye little rugged Isles, Oft’ shall I think of thee, And crown thy name with happy smiles Pearls of the deep blue sea. Oft when far distant from this land, In pensive mood I'll stray, Along, my native craggy strand, And weep, tho’ far away. In Orient seas, to memory’s shrine, I'll drop a tear when eastern storms roar, That it may drift, some future time, Upon thy happy shore. And when the gentle zephyrs rise, In some far distant grove, They'll waft with them my fervent sighs, And fan those Isles I love. Adieu, adieu, I leave thy shore, May summer's sun for ever shine O’er thee—may peace and plenty evermore, To bless those Isles, combine. a = EE mm pe i rr hee, AND LAND. GS a SR NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE ON SEA Then bounding o’er the southern deep, His bark’ s white sails swell in the breeze, Never did more lovely form, ) As seen from off the Alpine’s steep, Enshrine a heart so pure, so mild, by That bark the terror of those seas. Or ever did affection warm, : A fonder or a better child. Ny Yet while she ’s bounding o’er the wave, ) The howlings of the angry gale, Never did a face disclose, Echo a requiem o’er her grave, Soul so innocent—thoughts refined, Plowing by a hostile sail. In which a purer essence glows, The pureness of a spotless mind. | Then swiftly she flew across the sea, Her canvass spread on high, Never were to eyes thus given, i That hostile foe was ‘neath her lee, The distant and the thoughtful scan, . While Death her doom, sealed in the sky. They gazed, they penetrated Heaven, | And left this world to wretched man. TO % * %* * % LINES Never did such tears o’erflow, y Written in one of the lonely Bahama Islands a few nights previous to the liberation and escape of some slaves from the Bay of Matanzas, in Cuba. 1827. Dark and lonely is my dwelling, Well it suits this gloomy heart Hark ! the distant Racoon yelling, See the vivid lightning’s dart. In pity, chastity, and love, Or did that sorrowing bosom know, Sighs but of Angels from above. THE PIRATE'S IMPULSE. Tempests gather round his heart, On all around the shades of darkness, Lowering thoughts disturb his brain, With their ebon wings have pressed, Whirlwinds urge him to depart, All save the solemn night bell’s markless, Again to brave the foaming main. E’en here the Stranger sinks to rest. Dreary moments of the night, But, on yonder glittering spire, Darkly fraught with fatal doom, Falls a ray of glimmering light: Impel him to the desperate fight, Lo! the fading Negro fire, Enshrouded by reflection’s gloom. Welcomes in the Orb of night. NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE From yon group of nodding Cedars, Rise-the wild notes of the slave, Hark ! that sound—its weeping brothers, O’er their fellow’s peaceful grave. Thy fetters burst—farewell for ever ! No more you'll crouch to man’s decree, Or thy limbs his chains can never, Bind them to the tall Palm tree. But, Stranger, rouse—hark ! quick awake, Unmoor thy fleet and daring bark, A coming scene soon, soon will break Thy dream of woe, thy thoughts so dark. WOMAN'S LOVE. Profound as the mine hides its treasure of gold, Vast as the ocean’s unmeasured deep, Her friendship, her sorrows, her love-lays untold, To hallow, to smile, and in secret to weep. TO * * * * * Oh, that this pledge I send to thee, Was worth the fond request you make, And that our hearts may ever be Bound by bonds that nought could break. ON SEA AND LAND. Its true our souls—our minds are one, Tho’ there is placed between us now The Ocean widely drear and lone, It cannot sever plighted vow. Its boundless waters that interpose, Alone confirm the pledge above, ‘Their wideness—depth alone disclose, The tenor of our endless love. Then take this pledge I send, of Hair, Place it o’er your spotless heart; And never while life’s pulse is there, Remove it from that hallow’d part. VERSES On Retiring from the Royal Navy to take Service in the Liberating War of Portugal in 1831. FarewkLL to the Banner of Britons’ renown, Which floats round the world ! in pride; Farewell to those bulwarks that haughtily frown And triumphantly reel o'er the turbulent tide. Tho’ thy Sceptre, Britannia, I'm destined to leave, The attachment I felt, from my soul cannot part, As Dve faithfully served thro’ tempest, o'er wave, Thy Pennant and Union is wrapt round my heart. Yes, in zeal and in pride I shall cherish thy name, In climes where I’ve toiled for thee, when afar, Where thy thunders and valor asserted thy fame, With the heart and the hand of a true British tar! 108 NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE How oft I’ve exulted, and bowed to control, On the field of the brave and the free; When ardour and hope inspired my soul, I could have died for my country and thee. How I hailed thee, Britannia, as I stood on the deck, When I felt what my tongue could not tell, In battle, in chase, in the desolate wreck, For thee I could die, oh ! Britannia—farewell. Tho’ thy service I leave, and sadly resign, Impelled by that fate I deplore, For promotion, like many, destined to pine. As wE stood on our merits—alas ! nothing more. Britannia, the Shade of thy Shield has o’ercast, The blush on thy cheek to conceal ; For partial award to services past, Since to interest, we're bound to appeal. But the day will arrive, when raising thy Crest, You'll shake off the trammels of wrong ; When your mandates resound, from east to the west, Round your Standard each seaman shall throng. When sullen your Lion will howl in his might, And the Ocean re-echo his roar; Then sailors and merit will assert their pure right, Then aloft your proud Banner shall soar. But, slumbering now, you rest on your spear, After deeds that your Tars have achieved; What Service to yours’ can the world compare ? May the step I have ta’en yet be retrieved. ON SEA AND LAND. For I go to contribute, tho’ humble my aid, To serve in a cause that is just; To war for the free, to despots betrayed— They call to Britannia—in Britons they trust. Farewell to Britannia—now adieu to thy land, Encircled by ocean—sustained by the brave— My sword is for thee—by thy colours I'll stand— May thy empire be ever, maintained o’er the wave. Farewell —Oh! Farewell—but I hope not for ever, Take the pledge of my heart's blood for thee— Forsake thee, Great Britain—never, oh—never ! You're the Soul of the Brave and the FREE. REFLECTION ON TYRANNY. There is a madness of the soul, When roused by despot sway ; Beyond the power of self-control, It urges on its desperate way. It sickens o'er the servile doom, That goading tyranny hath wrought ; To Heaven it turns, and trusts that soon Twill blot it out from painful thought. It pining writhes, and then with pride, Scorns to bow a dastard slave, To humble at a coward’s side, And only contemplates the grave. P NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE THE ROVER TO HIS BRIDE. Slumber on, slumber on, in thy lonely sleep, Still as the calm of the silvery deep; Tho’ wild thy air, thy heart is mild— Oh! I love to gaze on the ocean child. This Ocean unbounded, the Heavens above, Only equal in vastness my ardour of love For that treasure, who flew from her father’s hall To make me her choice—her adored above all: Her I'll guide and Pll guard o’er this turbulent main, Till we reach that bright Isle far from sorrow and pain. FAREWELL TO * * * * % In Belle Isle on the night of the 9th February, 1832. We met—we loved—adored—nay— None loved as we loved ever— When duty called me far away, That pang can leave my heart—oh ! never. Yes, on this lonely, pensive heart, Thy image long shall dwell ; Nor from this harrow’d mind can part Our last—our sad farewell. How dark that night of woe, How still the fleeting hour; There sat on all below, The gloom of sorrow’s pow’r. ON SEA AND LAND. The hollow surges lashed the shore, They echoed through the land, And told the sadd’ning farewell o’er, As sunk the distant strand. As slowly o’er the midnight deep, The rowers urged their bark; And, ah, the eye that then could weep, *Twould make the hour less dark. But, oh, that soul was far away, And left a vacant mind ; And reason e’en forsook its sway, It drifted on the wind. And deep the sigh it wafted o’er, How fervent was the prayer ; Alas, it could not reach the shore, One, still was lonely there. That One alone, whose soul was bound,— Was pierced by sorrow’s dart; "Twas her who sadly looked around For her soul’s better part. Relentless still the bark was driven, Oh !—anguished agony to tell— Could I but ask one boon of Heaven, "T'would be to say again, farewell ! Sadly still my heart shall bear, This partial blight to virtuous love; And when before my God in prayer, Our vows shall meet above! NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE And when auspicious dawns the hour Of meeting—then sincere, We'll breathe to Mercy’s hallow’d power, A true—a fervent prayer. ON THE 29tu OF DECEMBER, 1830. The dawn of Heaven has broke, Like Mercy’s morning—mild— From Nature’s arms awoke, Our first our lovely child. The mystic charm of wonders o'er, That hour when all was wild— Harbinger of love from stranger shore, We hail our first-born child. Hail, lovely innocent—this life You stole into so mild, Hath many woes, and deadly strife, To daunt our darling child. And many arts to lead astray To vice its unformed mind ; But Heaven, we trust, will mark the way To guide our first-born child. And when, perchance, in after time, He'll wield the sword or brand; May mercy guide, in every clime, A brave unerring hand. ON SEA AND LAND. ADIEU TO MY NATIVE LAND, AFTER THE TROUBLES OF 1820. Adieu to thee, Gem of the Qcean, Farewell to thy mountains and steep ; Who can view thee without an emotion, When fading beyond the blue deep. As the Sun in its grandeur ascending, With rays ever gloriously bright— Alas, thy green hills are fast bending, They droop, and are lost to my sight. Adieu, oh! adieu to thy glory, Fair land, to my heart ever dear; I leave thy green plains, fresh and gory, Scarce moist by a renegade’s tear. Yes, they burn within my wild brain, They refuse to burst o’er my Woe; Till I view my lost country again, May forgetfulness cause them to flow. REMEMBRANCE. There is a time of life we never can forget, It is the morning of our rising soul, When joy, and bliss, and love are met, And feed our fancies’ dreams beyond control. And oft the vision of our future days, Beams bright as tho’ it ne'er could fade, And shed immutable their rays Along the pathway of our noon-tide glade. And ere we rouse from out that dream— Of youth’s fair coming morn, The fairy vision of the stream Is lost—on its swift waters borne— NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE Down to the depths of dull despair, Nor aught it leaves behind; Nor hope, or joy, can linger there, Their scattered ’pon the wind. There ’s linked to those bright days gone by, Ling’ring thoughts that none can tell, While pondering o’er—we vainly try To break the anguish of their spell. FAREWELL TO #* % % % % On joining the late War of Succession in Spain. Too true, the hour’s at hand, And I must soon away— I'm call’d by duty from this land, Beyond the deep dark sea. Our Ship upon her lofty masts, Hath spread her ample wings— This hour now must be our last, Till Heaven our meeting brings. But calm the anguish of your heart, My more than life—oh! cease to sigh; Altho’ its death to us to part, You'll never fade in memory. Lov’d one, your pledge of golden hair, I'll bear it o’er that part ; Whose pulses tell while life is there, You reign within my heart. ON SEA AND LAND. For glows within this breast of mine, A halo bright as stars above; Which round my heart shall ever shine, To light it to the one I love. And dwells within this bosom’s cell, Which destiny can never break, A vow that binds me in its spell— Resolves that nought on earth can shake. There is beneath this heart’s control, Essential to my life as air, A sacred promise of my soul, To love you with a mind sincere. And would to love you were to die, A death of pains acute array, Or on the verge of fate to sigh, In agony this life away. And would e’en more than words assure, Much as ever man could prove, Would I—for your fond heart endure, To show how much—how deep I love. And would, if thou wert doomed to know, Those miseries we cannot flee; Which intersect life’s path below, Delight to take them all from thee. And with what joy that cup of woe, Which, cruel—broke my darling’s rest, I'd drink so deep, and drain so low, 'Twould tell that I felt purely blessed. —— A r— SN ; pS a Se Fe RR a ee SS a _"__— Es iS ti i I — na AR AH ph Pe NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE For fresh the day, tho’ far behind, On which I heard thy youthful voice, Declare, with purest heart and mind, I was thy first—thy only choice And time has passed, and well have you, Your virgin vow, your tear so bright, Proved by love your heart was true— Devoutly true —as Heaven's light. But should the ruthless shaft of war— Jealous—hurl me from this life, Upon my dying lip, mine only prayer Shall be for thee, my lovely wife. THE HEART. Deep in the bosom enshrined in frail man, Beats a fountain of wondrous art, The source of that life no mortal can scan— The pulse of the fast-bounding heart. Every throb that propels this earthly career, From that moment for ever is passed, Every impulse of hope, of joy, or of fear, Portends that this throb is the last. Tho these can be felt and measured by time, . While the stream of existence doth flow, Yet the depths of the impulse, of virtue, or crime, Are dark as the mines of the ocean below. Deep, latent, and dire, tho’ to virtue consigned, It bounds to the future, from times that are gone, A herald to demons, of the soul, through the mind, But returns thro’ devotion, to virtue anon. ON SEA AND LAND. Unsearched, undefined, no index is found To measure or compass its wile, Like the voice of the thunders, secret profound, Lies the truth of the tear, the sigh, or the smile. O’er mirth, o'er sorrow, o’er the tomb of the dead, With a smile on the lip, or a tear in the eye, Throbbings of joy, from the heart long fled, Or sadness dismissed with one sigh. Tho’ thoughts of the heart oft beguile the pure soul, And its subtlety oft doth ensnare, | Its power is supine, when thought can control, When mind is supported by prayer. So fraught with deep thought, of so turbid a hue, Each mortal alone breathes a sigh, Shrinking from terror they scarce dare to view, Thro’ horrors of conscience they fain would defy. To prompt the expression of sympathy mild, And with vows of affection dilate, While urging its truth in the tones of a child, It can brood o’er the thought of implacable hate. But murmur not, man—pause not an hour, Be watchful of impulse, be pure in your mind; Let the heart be subservient to virtues high power, Supported by prayer, be firm, be resigned. - With all the vain wisdom that frail man is given, With all the false power of his desolate art, None but one Being—rHE GREAT GOD OF HeAVvEN— Can search or can read MAN’S SUBTLE HEART. Q NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE LINES IN THE FIRST PAGE OF AN ALBUM. On being requested to write something relative to himself. A FRAGMENT. Dear Album, untouched, unsullied, and white, Emblematic of virtue, as pure As the rays of the moon on the waters at night, Thy bosom in peace more secure. On thy pages fair plain, with a tremulous heart, Pll trace my wild tenor of life, My sorrows and wanderings, e’en all I'll impart, And dwell on the horrors of strife. If thoughts that arise are penned mn despair, And pensiveness reigns o'er me now, They're bodings of grief under shadows of care, And remembrance that darkens my brow. When my soul has been wearied in pondering o'er, Events from my earliest day, Thro’ the horrors of death on a sickly shore, And the fierceness of battle’s array. When thoughts bring me back to time that has fled, And cloud with affliction my heart, Like Cypress grove o'er the tombs of the dead, Unlike shadows, never to part. Let no sigh be expressed, or shadow o’erspread, Thy silvery leaves now so chaste, Let no pity be marked or tears be shed, O’er deeds that can ne'er be erased. When I tell how in youth, by wandering desire, I abandoned my humble home, And fled from the roof of my Mother and Sire, O’er mount and thro’ vally to roam. ON SEA AND LAND, Of the fate that befel me, on India’s coast, Of the Wrecker’s and Bandit’s fight, Of the helpless bark on the wild waves tost, Of the groans of the dying at night. When I tell how from home I was sullenly driven, And cast on this world so cold, When my tears and entreaties were offered to Heaven, Such sorrows can never be told. When every hope became sunk, the throbs of my heart Swelled my bosom with anguish and pain, When the signal was made for our fleet to depart, And our ships issued forth on the Main. As the shores of my own native land, sank behind, The shrieks of the sea-birds were wild, O’er the turbulent Main, thro’ howlings of wind, And echoed the sobs of the wandering child. TO * * % % % Oh, doubt me not, tho’ time has gone, With leaden wings too dull to tell, How dark and drear, and, ah ! how long, Since last we took our sad farewell. Oh, doubt not still your image dear, Upon my aching heart's caressed, No, darling, no—you cannot fear, While with your fervent love I ‘m blessed. Oh, would there were some lonely Isle, With sky serene above, One there alone with me to smile— That One my only love, NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE Ob, there to live and love alone, Encircled by the deep blue sea, Oh, happiness, there is no home— * * * * *’g heart is all to me. THOUGHT. There is no limit to the flight of mind, It ’s fleeter through the widest space, The lightning’s flash or sweeping wind Cannot outstrip its vast embrace. Compassed alone by reason’s span, Nor space nor times control— Attribute of the mind of man, Thought, the Essence of the Soul! Beware—beware that wondrous flight, That shadow of the mystic whole, Unguided once by Virtue’s light, It rushes on destruction’s goal. As the swift bark o’er the treacherous main Requires the dexterous hand, The helm to guide—her course to restrain, When nearing a dangerous land ;— Or the steed in its wild fiery bound, O’er mount, o’er desert, and plain, Needs the eye of the rider around, Feels the power of the curb or the rein ;— Thus refléction and thoughts, far away— Diffuse as echoes spread wide, Yields to Virtue and Reason’s mild sway— With the power of Conscience to guide. ON SEA AND LAND. Though the present be endured with sorrow— The past be regretted with pain— The heart trembles in hope of the morrow, And turns from the future in vain. Yet the mind in its infinite glance, With its vastness pervading the whole, When transmitted through virtue’s expanse, Renders thought the Essence of Soul. TO #* %* %* * * Oh, who is all in life to me, Or who could soothe my grief, For whom could I the world flee, Nor wish nor seek relief. For her alone whose soul is mild, Whose purest heart was given, To one who loved her since a clild, For her I'd forfeit heaven. It surely cannot be profane, Ordained by high control, On earth to love, nor love in vain, One’s own, one’s dearest soul. Oh, then, I'll love till passed away Is this lone dream of life, The One who pines from day to day— That one my darling wife. Oh, well she knows I love so wild, By vows I oft have given— Yes, mother, sister, wife, and child— * * % * *’g these, and Heaven. Ee £1 | i Hg ba i | iil 5 hd gt § 4! i it i i I i ¢ fi iid 1 i 8] A i y A | 0 hn oi 122 NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE ON A SKETCH DRAWN BY A BROTHER, WHO WAS NOT HEARD OF FOR SEVEN YEARS. That brother who in distant land, Had traced this mountain’s brow, And tinted all with trembling hand— Where is that brother now ? He who next to me in years, The last of parents’ vow, For whom was shed the bitter tears — Where is that brother now ? The God that gave, hath called for ever, Before Heaven’s throne to bow, The parents from this earth to sever— Where is that brother now ? That land for him which had no home, He left, but none knew when or how, A wanderer in the world alone— Where is that brother now ? When years, like he, thus hath fled, And passed Time’s warning hand, When all had thought that brother dead, He sought his native land. This sketch from lonely nature wild, His hand hath coloured o’er, With orient tints and azure mild, On Coromandel’s shore. Those tints that pass the mount anon, Have vanished from its brow, Those tints, like him, again are gone-— Where is that brother now ? - ON SEA AND LAND. FOR ** %%* O God, eternal! whose stupendous works astound, Whose mercies thro’ the endless universe resound, And blessings ever from thy bounteous hand descends Munificently just, to work thy hallowed ends; Pardon, Oh, pardon thy wretched suppliant now, Who, penitent in humble prayer, presumes to bow, With lowly sorrowing heart, with desolated mind, To thy great will, O God |—patiently resigned; For Thou, eternal Being, whose name be ever blest, Knowest all things, and seest what is best, Pity the anguished soul; oh, grant my fervent prayer— Assuage the sufferings of One, to me most dear— One who, from early days, devoutly trod In charity to all, in love, in praise to God! She who to me, in love, devoted all her life— O God of mercies! heal my suffering wife ! With tears of blood, I humbly now implore, I ask for this—I seek for nothing more. But if Thou will’st One, by Thy just decree, To suffer death, oh, let that One be Me. This is but little that I should resign For that loved One whom nature hath made mine— Who, with fidelity in sorrow, joy, and pride, In purity of love, was constant by my side ; Nor danger nor privation could her soul affright— She bore it all for me, with patience and delight. "These being virtues, hence to her were given, By Thee, my God, as blessing pure from Heaven; Then may I breathe a hope, thro’ Thy omniscient name, With trembling heart, this prayer be not profane, For mercy, glory, power, and blessedness be thine. To thy decree, O God ! my life I now resign, —_. eA SPE 5H SJ A RE a NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE Conscious of Thy hallowed will, by mercies ever shown, In humble faith I bend, prostrate before Thy throne; I sigh the supplicating prayer—for her I offer up my life ; O God! but heal, restore, and bless my darling wife. TO * * * x *_[N HEAVEN. Oh ! thou ’rt not gone, fond idol of my heart, Tho’ from this earth, thy soul has passed away, Thy spirit from my presence ne’er can part— It hovers round my path, and sheds a holy ray. Your hallowed essence, living bright and fair, Descends in glory from the realms above; I feel and see your heavenly image near, Breathing sweet accents low, of hope and love. Thou ’rt but left this world awhile, Before the One who longs from hence to go, Lives but on thy memory, and thy smile Illumes his sad, and lingering hours below. That mind serene, in beauteous form enshrined, Too chaste, too good, with mortals here to stay, In faith to God, thy soul and breath resigned— An Angel pure, to Him She winged her way. The anguish then, the sorrow now untold, From that dread hour, when life’s last hope had fled, Withered by grief and desolation cold, Entombed my living heart amongst the dead. Short hours, ‘while we this sea of life were on, When thou were with me in thy mortal mould ; But now the voyage drags slow and sad along, This void so drear, and endlessness so cold. ON SEA AND LAND. But you, my Sainted One, tho’ passed away, Tho’ Nature’s arms infold, you ever shine, A halo in the golden sphere, where endless day Reveals the Maker’s mercies, sacred, divine. In prayer, in thought, while memory can endure, There is no time in which I cannot see Thy blessed form, so clear, so pure, "Transparent as the moonbeams seem to be. And when I sigh that deep, that fervent prayer, In awe, in adoration for my God and thee, Feeling my sins, and seeing thou art near, My fainting hope revives, knowing you breathe on me Bancroft Library At eve in holy converse with thy soul, My thoughts my words unite, O’er this lone pleasure, holding fond control, It lights the darkest hours of night. Oh, come, sweet hour, I hail, I woo thy certain speed. When waking from this wary dream, I see The wondrous mercies of our God decreed, And find myself restor’d in Heaven to Him and Thee. THE OCEAN. Sweet is the bosom of the silvery deep, Sweet when tranquil and serene, Breathes softly, swelling as though asleep, Without a ripple to disturb the scene. Sweet is that bosom of translucid tides, When spread beneath the glorious rays of morn, As the big orb of day, when dark subsides, Ascends in majesty, as from ocean born. R a ai AR i or rtm Mg NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE, Sweet to behold the burnished main, Blushing beneath the parting rays of day, Presenting to the eye a golden plane Of life, an emblem beyond decay. Thus sweet from morn to noon, and o’er again, To view all nature and her wondrous laws ; Who from admiring awe can then refrain, Of never ending time— its first great cause. Thus do the days and life pass on, Of he whose hours glide smoothly oer, Continued scenes of joy and peace—anon, He passes from this dream-—awakes for evermore. Awful to see the raging main rise high, O’ershadowed by the tempest-darken’d cloud, While thunders crash and lightnings fly, And ocean-murmuring surges echo loud. Awful to see with eyes, dim, dazzled by the scene, The red sun, rise in one fierce blaze of light, With nought save ocean mountains intervene, In wild cascades of gold, refulgent to the sight. Awful to see, with drooping grandeur crowned, By burnished bars, light yielding unto dark, Night of despair, with horrors spread around, "The last faint hope of one devoted bark. Thus awful all—thus grandeur in its turn, The changes brief—of this yet briefer life, To joy—to bliss—then hope—despairing mourn— The test in this terrestial strife. And thus the workings of the man of pride, The turbulence of his soul’s pourtrayed; Nor can the purpose of his heart subside, He yields a creature, then shrinks dismayed! ON SEA AND LAND. TO * * * & # There is an eye—a soft blue eye— A smile that is so sweet; : And, oh! they make my heart beat high Whene’er those charms I meet. There is a voice, whose tones are clear, They thrill my bosom with delight ; Whene’er those sounds strike on my ear, They're sweet as zephyrs thro’ the night. And oft, when bending o’er the deep, When all around, is dark and drear, I bless that lov’d one’s heavenly sleep, Or breath for her a fervent prayer, And do I love her, ah ! full well, Each moment doth declare; And oh ! my beating heart will tell, That love inhabits there. And well I know, that it is felt By her I love so true; I know it by the deep drawn sigh, And eye of heavenly blue. ON JULY 121H, 13845. From the high throne of Heaven above, Continued mercies flow; A miniature of her I love, Is sent to us below. A type of Love's serenest spell, A link to bind the soul; A blessing here on earth to dwell, 'Neath Virtue’s sweet control. NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE And, oh, ’twere joy indeed to view, An emblem of her that’s dear— Prototype of all that’s true, To bind our hearts still near. And may her little beauteous frame, In loveliness and truth improve, And o’er her soul may Virtue’s name, Be linked to heavenly love. And while her riper years increase, May Virtue be her guide; May she ever be her parents’ peace, And her lov’d brothers’ pride. REPLY TO REFLECTION. "There is another World for man,— There is a life of joy—of happiness— Such as no mind conceives—or can Imagine how those joys are endless ;— But what’s on Earth ? Alas !—dull, drear monotony of daily life— The chill repulse—the keen retort— The doubt—deceit—malignant strife— Thank God! existence—is but short. TO * * Kk * ® Oh! no, I could not breathe Your name—hallowed as the Soul’s repose— So pure thy essence, in radiance bright, around my heart serenely glows; Enshrined in sacred thoughts alone, no earthly eye shall ever see Delineation of that name—now beyond mortality— Encircled by a Heavenly Choir—with Immortal life youre blessed— Associate of my prayers—my soul—my love, in bright ASTERISKS here expressed. ON SEA AND LAND. THE ILL-FATED ONE. A little tear—a little smile—the emblem of a heart so mild— So pure—so good—so ardent, fond, and mild— : [ treasured in my heart a sigh, for her who felt such woe, To breathe upon her cheek—to weep—and then to go, For— Never did I, in this life, consign my soul, to one fond heart, And felt that I was born to hope and joy; But in the brightest hour twas doomed to part From me, and thus that dearest hope destroy. And— Once I reared a little sapling tree, It grew awhile—flourished and seemed for me— "*Twas near a mirrored ebbing tide, It drooped and perished—then it died— Yet— Am I here—to live—again to raise my drooping head— Oh! earth how chill—how lone thy breathing tomb To that seared heart, whose soul is with the dead— Whose form stands monumental of its own sad doom !— Till— Nature in mercy yields—to weeping Pity’s strain, And then unites for ever—that Heart and Soul again— Not here —not in a tortuous dream like this— No—but to awake with those we love, in realms of bliss— For ever! THE DESOLATED. Now for me is the ocean with sadness around, Or the desert with stillness unbroke by a sound, As anguish my life and my soul has o’ercast, Let me fly from the present, let me turn from the past (Regretting the hours that have long since fled, Like a sorrowing heart o’er the bier of the dead), To regions where nature is void or wild, Let these be the home of Misfortune’s child; 130 NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE Where the sighings of tempest, or carrion birds’ cry, Re-echo the sounds of infidelity— Where the lightning’s flash o’er the whirling sand, The foaming sea, or the mountain land ; There this form is destined to scorch ’neath the sun. There my bones are to bleach, when my sad race is run; As honor, fidelity, and truth are all scorned, Withering my heart, and best feelings long formed, Since the days of my childhood, thro’ toils of my prime, Thro’ my sorrows and wanderings in every clime: My heart felt the chill of neglect or control, And bodings of suffering entered my soul. Tho’ I’m weary of life, and laugh it to scorn (Oh, Nature ! oh, Heaven ! why was I born?) Tho’ by these—aye, een more—let this life be o’errun— The will of our Maker (and not man’s) be done; With this solace alone, where’er my life ends, My soul, still immortal, to His throne ascends, On mount, or desert, or ocean resigned, That hallowing thought pervades my frail mind. Now I hasten away from this world and men, My home is the ocean, or the wild Bedouin’s den, Where the carbine’s flash, or the sabre to draw, Is the succour of life—the herald of law— There the shattered remnant of this misspent life, To end in the fierce and the frantic strife— To plunge in the conflict—from existence to fly, With a prayer in my heart to one God on high, While the name of the Prophet and Alla arise, From the sons of the desert, in shouts to the skies! To these regions 1 fly, where no rivers glide, Where burning sands on the whirlwinds ride, Where sadness, soundless, and wildering sight, Are blank as the thought of an endless night. There in that sepulchral land, of molten lead, Where death holds his carnival over the dead— ON SEA AND LAND. When refulgent glare hath passed away, And the sun descends with the parting day—— There I'll lay me down on the burning sand, Then a vision of One in a Heavenly land, Will glide by my side, and breathe on my brow A blessing, a prayer, an undying vow; And when she has gone, she will hallow that spot ; I'll pray, then, for man, though by man I'm forget. And that One, will return, when the stars burn bright, To sooth my sad heart in the darkness of might, Till aroused by the sighs of the night-winds wild, Like parents lamenting their dying child. Tho’ banished from man, in that world so drear, My soul feels impressed by God being near, Around me, beneath me, above me, I see, Mercies unbounded, His mercies decree, Eternal in space, eternal in time— Omniscient! omnipotent ! unchanging! divine ! TO #= *= = *= * The rose that oft is fairest, With beauty, all must own, Altho’ of flowers the rarest, And beauteously hath blown, A chilling blast will soon dispel, And wither It we loved so well And such a flower was seen, With rose and lily white, Cerulean blue, her eyes did seem From Heaven to borrow light ; Around her lips, so sweet a smile would play, That all who e’er beheld, confessed her perfect sway. In gentleness of heart, none could excel, Charitable, good, and true, Ah! yes, and she was loved so well By One, and all who knew— Her virtues rare, without display, and like the violet flower, That flourisheth in gay parterre, as well as rural bower. . NIGHTS OF SOLITUDE. When clouds would hover oer, Portentous of a storm, Her angel spirit, high would soar Tho’ fragile was her form, That told her soul it dwelt within, Free from blame and earthly sin. But the sad tale to tell, We all with feelings deep deplore, The lovely flower we loved so well, Is blooming now no more, For angels, from this earth, her soul they bore away, To dwell on their celestial shore, with God in heaven to stay But tho’ that rose is gone, Yet sainted is the air, And treasured still by One— She’s fairest of the fair; And thoughts of her will hallow, every dull and passing hour, Until we gain the angels’ land, and see our seraph flower. REFLECTION. Oh, when will this long voyage be o’er, When shall I reach that happy shore, Where pain and sorrow’s felt no more. When this frail bark by rude winds driven, Across that refluent watery wave, That rolls around this earthly grave, And glorious streams this bark receive, That leads to endless life in Heaven. FINIS. PRINTED. BY 8, TAYLOR, GEORGE-YARD, DRURY-LANE. ERRATA. For Magalena,” read “Magdalena.” For © Carthagena,” read “ Cartagena.” - END OF REEL - PLEASE REWIND.