BETA

The Return of the Firefly.

“ We’re into port at last, Fred, we’ve pass’d the har-
bour bar, 1
I see the vane upon the spire blaze like a fiery star. 2
The town’s in sight, I see the cliffs, the very torrent’s
track, 3
And the windows at St. Arthur’s flashing all the sun-
light back.4
“ Fred, rouse your heart for this, man ! just think of
mother’s joy,5
And of our dear blind father’s pride in you, his
youngest boy.6
Fancy how madcap Mary in a breath will laugh and [cry,7
And, more than all, how one you know will greet you
by and by.8
Two men on the deck of a ship. One man is sitting on a chair. The other man is standing, looking down at the seated man, and pointing away from them. The seated man is looking towards the direction the standing man is pointing. The men are holding hands. 1/2 page.
“ Nay, never look so white, man : remember when we
lay9
Becalm’d for five long days and nights in Trinidado’s [bay.10
You said ’twould bring back life and strength to heart
and arm once more,11
Could you but feel the wind that breath’d along our
own old shore.12
“ And now ’tis here : I smell the thyme and broom
from off the down,13
I see the yellow gorse that girds the hilltop like a [crown.14
I cannot blame your weakness, boy, my tears could
almost flow,15
To think of nearing all we left three weary years ago.16
“ I’m sure they’re thinking of us now with anxious
hearts at home, 17
I warrant me they’ve heard long since the gallant Fire-[fly’s come ;18
And little Mary will have been, a hundred times
to-day,19
Begging a peep through Walter’s glass, and watching [on the quay.20
“ We’ll not be half an hour at home ere Katie will be
there,21
Blushing like any half-blown rose, as modest as she’s
fair.22
What ! not a word or smile at that ? as if I did not [know23
For whom you’ve bought the shawl and wreath you’ve
safely stowed below.24
“ Huzza ! we’re come to anchor ; I see the steamers’
smoke ;25
A little time, and we shall sit amid our own dear folk. 26
Come let me help you up, Fred, by this you’re rested
well.”27
But the cheery words and loving voice on heedless senses [fell.28
The sailor boy lay dead and cold upon the sunny deck, 29
A little lock of golden hair hung from his bended neck. 30
’Twas just as well—he ne’er could know that on his
Katie’s breast 31
Another’s child look’d up and smiled before it sank to
rest.32
A. M.