That well had borne their part--
But the noblest thing that perished there
Was that young, faithful heart.
FELICIA HEMANS.
THE CAPTAIN'S DAUGHTER.
"The Captain's Daughter," by James T. Fields (1816-81), carries weight
with every young audience. It is pointed to an end that children
love--viz., trust in a higher power.
We were crowded in the cabin,
Not a soul would dare to sleep,--
It was midnight on the waters,
And a storm was on the deep.
'Tis a fearful thing in winter
To be shattered by the blast,
And to hear the rattling trumpet
Thunder, "Cut away the mast!"
So we shuddered there in silence,--
For the stoutest held his breath,
While the hungry sea was roaring
And the breakers talked with Death.
As thus we sat in darkness,
Each one busy with his prayers,
"We are lost!" the captain shouted
As he staggered down the stairs.
But his little daughter whispered,
As she took his icy hand,
"Isn't God upon the ocean,
Just the same as on the land?"
Then we kissed the little maiden.
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