CANTO II. The Voyage continued. "WHAT vast foundations in the Abyss are there, As of a former world? Is it not where ATLANTIC kings their barbarous pomp displayed; Sunk into darkness with the realms they swayed, When towers and temples, thro' the closing wave, A glimmering ray of ancient splendour gaveAnd we shall rest with them.-Or are we thrown" (Each gazed on each, and all exclaimed as one) "Where things familiar cease and strange begin, All progress barred to those without, within? -Soon is the doubt resolved. Arise, beholdWe stop to stir no more . . . nor will the tale be told." The pilot smote his breast; the watchman cried Slowly along the evening-sky they went, Long from the stern the great Adventurer gazed Oh still "He spoke, and lo, the charm accurst Of fearful men, when mountains round them rise And once again that valiant company Right onward came, ploughing the Unknown Sea. -And now the sound of harpy-wings they hear; They may give me what name they please. I am servant of Him, &c. Hist. del Almirante, c. 2. |