Her Crest, high-plumed, was rough with many a scar, The warrior Youth appeared of noble frame, Loose o'er his shoulders hung the slackened bow, The Sword that oft the barbarous North defy'd, The GEORGE emblazoned on his corselet shone; Whose strings unlock the Witches' midnight spell, These front the Scene conspicuous; overhead ALBION's proud oak his filial branches spread: While on the sea-beat shore obsequious stood, Beneath their feet, the Father of the flood: Here, the bold native of her cliffs above, Then towered the Masts, the Canvass swelled on high, And waving Streamers floated in the sky. Thus the rich Vessel moves in trim array, Like some fair Virgin on her bridal day; Thus, like a Swan, she cleaved the watery Plain, The pride and wonder of th' Ægean main. END OF THE FIRST CANTO. |