MAYFLOWER 5 THE SAILING OF THE MAYFLOWER [The following verses-from Longfellow's Miles Standish-describe the departure of the Mayflower from the American shore, on its homeward voyage.] Just in the gray of the dawn, as the mists uprose from the meadows, There was a stir and a sound in the 'slumbering village of Plymouth...... Sweet was the air and soft; and slowly the smoke from the chimneys Rose over roofs of thatch, and pointed steadily eastward ;1 Men came forth from the doors, and paused and talked of the weather, Said that the wind had changed, and was blowing fair for the Mayflower...... Merrily sang the birds, and the tender voices of women 'Consecrated with hymns the common cares of the household. Out of the sea rose the sun, and the billows rejoiced at his coming: Beautiful were his feet on the purple tops of the mountains; Beautiful on the sails of the Mayflower riding at anchor, Battered and blackened and worn by all the storms of the winter. Loosely against her mast was hanging and flapping her canvas, Rent by so many gales, and patched by the hands of the sailors. Suddenly from her side, as the sun rose over the ocean, Darted a puff of smoke, and floated sea-ward; anon rang Loud over field and forest the cannon's roar, and the echoes Heard and 'repeated the sound, the signal-gun of 'departure! Ah! but with louder echoes replied the hearts of the people! Meekly, in voices subdued, the chapter was read from the Bible; 66 THE SAILING OF THE MAYFLOWER FOR ENGLAND. 27 Meekly the prayer was begun, but ended in fervent entreaty ! Then from their houses in haste came forth the Pilgrims of Plymouth, Men and women and children, all hurrying down to the sea-shore, Eager, with tearful eyes, to say farewell to the Mayflower, Homeward bound o'er the sea, and leaving them here in the desert. Meanwhile the master, alert, but with dignified air and important, Scanning with watchful eye the tide, and the wind, and the weather, Walked about on the sands; and the people crowded around him Saying a few last words, and enforcing his careful remembrance. 2 Then, taking each by the hand as if he were grasping a 'tiller, Into the boat he sprang, and in haste shoved off to his vessel, Glad in his heart to get rid of all this worry and flurry.............. Lost in the sound of the oars was the last farewell of the Pilgrims. O strong hearts and true! not one went back in the Mayflower! No, not one looked back, who had set his hand to this ploughing! Soon were heard on board the shouts and songs of the sailors Heaving the windlass round, and hoisting the 'ponderous anchor. MAYFLOWER Then the yards were 'braced, and all sails set to the west wind, Blowing steady and strong; and the Mayflower sailed from the harbour, Rounded the point of the Gurnet,3 and leaving far to the southward Island and cape of sand, and the field of the first encounter, Took the wind on her quarter and stood for the open Atlantic, Borne on the send of the sea and the swelling hearts of the Pilgrims. Long in silence they watched the receding sail of the vessel, Much endeared to them all, as something living and human; Then, as if filled with the Spirit, and wrapped in a vision prophetic, Baring his hoary head, the excellent Elder of Plymouth Said, "Let us pray!" and they prayed, and thanked the Lord, and took courage. LONGFELLOW. slum-ber-ing, quiet; sleeping. tiller, the bar that turns the rudder of a boat. wind-lass, roller for raising the anchor, or any weight. 1 Pointed steadily eastward.-sages he was to carry to friends at Showing a west wind, favourable for home. the Mayflower. 3 The Gurnet. -The promontory 2 Enforcing his careful remem-forming one side of the bay opposite brance.-Impressing on him the mes- Plymouth. 6.-CHARLES I. (PART I.) 1625 to 1649 A.D.-24 years. 1. Charles the First was the son of the late King. He married Henrietta, daughter of the King of France. His reign was one long struggle for power between himself and his Parliament a struggle which cost him his crown and his life. 1627 2. The first great event of his reign was an attempt made by the English, under the Duke of Buckingham, to help the French Protestants, who were besieged by the French Catholics in A.D. Rochelle,1 on the Bay of Biscay. The English were driven back with great loss, and returned home; and the Duke of Buckingham, when setting out to make a second attempt, was killed by an ⚫assassin. 3. To please the Parliament, Charles unwillingly granted the famous But very soon CHARLES I. private houses. Charles broke this law; and when the Commons complained, he went to the House in person to 'rebuke them. The door was locked against him; but he got a blacksmith to break it open, and then he sent nine of the members to prison. 4. For eleven years after this (1629-1640) he called no Parliament, but governed the country by his own will. Over State affairs he placed the Earl of Strafford; and over the Church was Archbishop Laud. All who opposed the King's will were punished by the Court of Star Chamber. All who differed in religion from Laud were punished by the Court of High Commission. 5. That, however, which caused the greatest dis |