A GREYPORT LEGEND. (1797.) THEY ran through the streets of the seaport town; "Ho, Starbuck and Pinckney and Tenterden ! Scatter your boats on the lower bay." Good cause for fear! In the thick midday The hulk that lay by the rotting pier, Filled with the children in happy play, Parted its moorings, and drifted clear, Drifted clear beyond the reach or call,- All adrift in the lower bay! Said a hard-faced skipper, "God help us all! And she lifted a quavering voice and high, Till they shuddered and wondered at her side. The fog drove down on each labouring crew, And they felt the breath of the downs, fresh blown But not from the lips that had gone before. They come no more. But they tell the tale, For the signal they know will bring relief : Through channels whose waters never fail. |