in a New World. Ceremonies of the first interview. Rites of hospitality. The ghost of Cazziva. Two months pass away, and an Angel, appearing in a dream to Columbus, thus addresses him: "Return to Europe; though your Adversaries, such is the will of Heaven, shall let loose the hurricane against you. A little while shall they triumph; insinuating themselves into the hearts of your followers, and making the World, which you came to bless, a scene of blood and slaughter. Yet is there cause for rejoicing. Your work is done. The cross of Christ is planted here; and, in due time, all things shall be made perfect." THE VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS. CANTO I. Night-Columbus on the Atlantic-the Variation of the Compass, SAY who, when age on age had rolled away, And still, as sunk the golden Orb of day, The seaman watched him, while he lingered here, And gazed and gazed and wondered where he went, Him, ere the birth of Time by Heaven designed To lift the veil that covered half mankind, None can exalt Yet, ere I die, I would fulfil my vow; Praise cannot wound his generous spirit now. ** 'Twas night. The Moon, o'er the wide wave, disclosed Her awful face; and Nature's self reposed; When, slowly rising in the azure sky, Three white sails shone-but to no mortal eye, "Thee hath it pleased-Thy will be done!" he said, Then sought his cabin; and, their garments spread, Around him lay the sleeping as the dead, When, by his lamp to that mysterious Guide, That Oracle to man in mercy given, Whose voice is truth, whose wisdom is from heaven, Who over sands and seas directs the stray, And, as with God's own finger, points the way, He turned; but what strange thoughts perplexed his soul, When, lo, no more attracted to the Pole, "Ah no!" he cried, and calmed his anxious brow. 66 Ill, nor the signs of ill, 'tis thine to show; Thine but to lead me where I wished to go!" COLUMBUS erred not. In that awful hour, An Angel came! He spoke, and it was done! But deep, majestic, in its destined course, Sprung with unerring, unrelenting force, From the bright East. Tides duly ebbed and flowed; Stars rose and set; and new horizons glowed; *Herrera, dec. I. lib. i. c. 9. + Rev. xix. 17. Yet still it blew! As with primeval sway Still did its ample spirit, night and day, Move on the waters!-All, resigned to Fate, Folded their arms and sate; and seemed to wait CANTO II. 66 The Voyage continued. WHAT vast foundations in the Abyss are there, ATLANTIC kings their barbarous pomp displayed; |