The fisher-wives of Salisbury, (The men were all away), Looked out to see the stranger oar Upon their waters play. Deer-Island's rocks and fir-trees threw Their sunset-shadows o'er them, Peered o'er the pines before them. Around the Black Rocks, on their left, The marsh lay broad and green ; And on their right, with dwarf shrubs crowned, Plum Island's hills were seen. With skilful hand and wary eye The harbor-bar was crossed ;A plaything of the restless wave, The boat on ocean tossed. The glory of the sunset heaven On land and water lay,- On cape, and bluff, and bay. They passed the grey rocks of Cape Ann, And Gloucester's harbor-bar ; The watch-fire of the garrison Shone like a setting star. How brightly broke the morning On Massachusetts’ Bay ! Rejoicing in the day. On passed the bark in safety Round isle and headland steep No tempest broke above them, No fog-cloud veiled the deep. Far round the bleak and stormy Cape The vent'rous Macey passed, And on Nantucket's naked isle, Drew up his boat at last. And how, in log-built cabin, They braved the rough sea-weather ; And there, in peace and quietness, Went down life's vale together : How others drew around them, And how their fishing sped, Until to every wind of heaven Nantucket's sails were spread : How pale want alternated With plenty's golden smile ; Behold, is it not written In the annals of the isle ? And yet that isle remaineth A refuge of the free, Beheld it from the sea. Free as the winds that winnow Her shrubless hills of sand Free as the waves that batter Along her yielding land. Than hers, at duty's summons, No loftier spirit stirs, Nor falls o'er human suffering A readier tear than hers. God bless the sea-beat island ! And grant for evermore, As now upon her shore ! THE NEW WIFE AND THE OLD. (The following Ballad is founded upon one of the marvellous legends connected with the famous Gen. M., of Hampton, N. H., who was regarded by his neighbors as a Yankee Faust, in league with the adversary. I give the story, as I heard it when a child, from a venerable family visitant.) DARK the halls, and cold the feast Hushed within and hushed without, From the brief dream of a bride Lightly from the bridal bed Maiden fear and wonder speaks While she speaketh, falls the light Hark! that gasping, hoarse and low : “ Spare me spare me - let me go !” God have mercy ! - Icy cold Spectral hands her own enfold, Drawing silently from them Love's fair gifts of gold and gem, “ Waken ! save me !” still as death At her side he slumbereth. Ring and bracelet all are gone, Lo, his eyes Open with a dull surprise. In his arms the strong man folds her, Closer to his breast he holds her ; Trembling limbs his own are meeting, And he feels her heart's quick beating : “ Nay, my dearest, why this fear ?” “ Hush !” she saith, “the dead is here !” “ Nay, a dream an idle dream.” But before the lamp's pale gleam Tremblingly her hand she raises, There no more the diamond blazes, Clasp of pearl, or ring of gold, — “ Ah !” she sighs, “ her hand was cold !” Broken words of cheer he saith, |