Saturday, October 31st, 1807

Simmonds, the wretch who murdered the ladies at Hoddesdon, confessed to the gaoler at Hertford on Saturday, the whole transaction. He said that he attempted to stab the maid, but the knife went into her hand; and the moment he was making the second attempt, "he heard a kind of fluttering noise behind him, and on looking back, saw a brown figure, with wings extended, which frightened him so much, that he let the maid take the knife out of his hand, and crawled out of the back door, on his hands and knees, and the figure followed him to the garden gate;" that he then saw no more of it, and fled to a cow-shed, and covered himself with straw, where he lay until he was taken - and that it is impossible for any person to conceive the state of his mind since the transaction.

At the last annual conference of the Methodist Preachers, a resolution passed the meeting, which reflects no small degree of credit upon them as christians :- "The conference determines, that none of our Preachers employed in the West Indies shall be at liberty to marry any person who will not previously emancipate, in the legal methods, all the slaves of whom she may be possessed; and if any of our brethern there, already married, have by such marriage, or in any other way, become proprietors of slaves, we require those brethren to take immediate and effectual steps for their emancipation. Ordered, that the Secretary of our Mission Committee in London send a copy of this minute to every Preacher in the West Indies, and require a report next year of the manner in which it has been obeyed."

A melancholy accident happened last week to Mrs.Grosset, wife of Schaw Groset, Esq. of Clifton, near Bath; finding her feet cold, she imprudently placed them on a high fender before the fire, and it is supposed became drowsy, when the flames caught her clothes, and she was burnt so shockingly, though assistance was almost immediately rendered, that she expired in great agonies in about two hours.

A murder was committed on Friday morning early, the 23d, at East-Benton, Wilts, on the person of Mr.Simeon, jun.arising out of the following circumstances. The father of Mr.Simeon, a reputable farmer, had suffered many depredations in his farm-yard, such as wounding cattle, stealing poultry, &c. On Thursday night, a watch, consisting of three persons, was set to discover the offenders. About two o'clock in the morning, three fellows made their appearance in the poultry roost, adjoining a hay-loft where the persons were watching, and after having slaughtered and bagged several fowl, they retreated. They were pursued by the persons on the watch; but having dropped their booty, they escaped; and whilst Mr.S. continued an eager pursuit, which his companions had relinquished, the three fellows surrounded him, and with a bludgeon killed him on the spot. The fellow who struck the blows was discovered at day-light in the morning, and secured; but he has refused to discover his accomplices. The assassin is a carpenter, who resides in the parish, of a known sanguinary disposition.

On Tuesday morning, about four o'clock, a most alarming tornado of wind commenced in the neighbourhood of Manchester, which continued a few seconds, and was succeeded by a tremendous storm of lightning, thunder, and rain. The thunder was loud in the extreme, and rendered more awful by the circumstance of its having awakened almost every person on the neighbourhood from sleep.

A very awful event occurred at Leeds Rotation Office, on Tuesday last. - A woman (who had seen better days) came to make a complaint to the Magistrates that her husband had neglected to make sufficient provision for herself and family : her delicacy induced her to wait till after the other business of the Office was concluded; when she proceeded to make her complaint, she became violently agitated, and being seized with an apoplectic affection, expired in a small room adjoining in less than twenty minutes. The Coroner's Jury brought in a verdict of - Died by the Visitation of God.

Boxing - A very obstinate pitched battle was fought on Wednesday, at Heazley, near Blackwater, for 50 guineas, between Flowers, the fighting coachman, and --- Jonas, an athletic man, six feet in height, a chairmaker. The contest commenced in favour of the coachman, who in the first few rounds put in some tremendous blows. He, however, was often stopped by Jonas, on whom his hits did not seem to make much impression. The coachman had been hit so much in about the 9th, 10th, and 11th rounds, that after half an hour had expired, it required a very good judge to tell who had the best of the battle. - Flowers did not fall off, but his adversary improved in hitting, and at the expiration of an hour, the word "enough" would have been gratifying to each, but they continued to fight till by nature it was suspended for ten minutes, neither being able to come again at the end of the 50th round. After waiting the above time the combat was renewed, and the combatants stayed half an hour longer, when the coachman resigned the contest to his adversary, after having won nine successive battles. The time occupied was two hours within five minutes.

Last Friday night, a most malicious and barbarous act of cruelty was committed, by some person cutting the principal sinew, just above the hock of the hind leg, of a valuable horse, and two fine cows (one of which had calved only a few days, and the other expected to drop her calf), belonging to Mr.M.Davey, miller, at Little-Eiston, Essex, who was obliged to kill the animals. An idle young man, the son of a neighbouring farmer, who had threatened to be revenged on Mr.Davey, for having exposed some of his improper conduct, has been apprehended and committed to Chelmsford gaol, on suspicion of the outrage committed.

At the Thames Police-office, yesterday, Captain Chapman, of the slave brig Apollo, was brought up on a second charge, that of murdering J.Hanson, his second mate. - It appeared by the deposition of Mr.Scott, the surgeon, that the deceased being much reduced in consequence of a fever, was ordered upon duty beyond his strength, for failing in which the prisoner severely flogged him with a cat-o'nine-tails and beat him with the handle thereof till he was unable to stir, when he compelled the surgeon and three others to fetch him some fire, which he put on the legs, thighs, and other parts of the deceased's body, and afterwards threw several buckets of water over him, swearing he would tear his body open, and give it to the sharks; in consequence of which treatment he died in a few hours, on the 4th of April. This testimony was corroborated by five of the crew, and the prisoner was committed for re-examination, three more charges being expected to be brought against him.

---

Stony-Stratford, Oct. 27th, 1807.

All Persons who have any Claim or Demand on the Estate and Effects of Mr.Thomas Godfrey, late of Stony-Stratford, in the County of Bucks, Farrier, deceased, are desired to send and Account thereof to Mr.Joseph Key Baily, of Shenley, in the said County of Bucks, Gentleman; Mr.Thomas Godfrey, of Stony-Stratford aforesaid; or Mr.J.F.Congreve, of the same place, Solicitor; the Executors of the said Thomas Godfrey, deceased; in order that the same may be discharged. - And all Persons standing indebted to the said Estate and Effects, are requested to pay the Amount of their respective Debts to the said Joseph Key Baily, Thomas Godfrey, or J.F.Congreve, without Delay.

---

A CARD.

WHEREAS I, Elizabeth Staines, Wife of Henry Staines, late of Salford, in the County of Bedford, have thought it necessary to justify myself, in Consequence of an Advertisement falsely stating my Elopement from my Husband : The Fact is briefly thus - A few Years since, I married with a Man much worse than Nothing, and on which I bestowed a competent Fortune; in Return for which I did not experience conjugal Felicity nor domestic Comfort, but in Lieu thereof Blows, Bruises, and Contusions all over my Body; in Consequence of which I fled (not eloped) at the Hazard of my Life, almost naked, to a neighbouring Magistrate before whom I made an Attestation, on Oath, of his Cruelty several Times repeated. - I am happy in finding an Asylum in the House of a fostering Friend, with whom I now reside; and I beg Leave further to say (and I assert it with Truth), that I am not the first Wife on whom he has exercised his brutal Ferocity.
Elizabeth Staines.
Crawley, near Woburn, Oct. 29th, 1807.

---

LOST
A Dun-coloured GREYHOUND DOG; by
Name, SPANKER.

If any Person will bring him to Sir Philip Monox's, at Sandy, near Biggleswade, or to James Warren's, at Wootton, Bedfordshire, they shall receive ONE GUINEA REWARD, and reasonable Charges. Nothing more will be offered; and whoever detains him after this Notice will be proceeded against.
Sandy, Oct. 28th, 1807.

---

LOST
(Supposed to be stolen),

ON Thursday Night last, or early on Friday Morning, out of a Close in the Parish of SHENLEY, in the County of Bucks,

A BLACK MARE,

Of the Nag Kind, rising three Years old, with a narrow white stripe down her Face, her near fore Feet white, stands 15 Hands high, and is in good Condition. Her Shoes are stamped with a D, if not altered.
Whoever will bring the said Mare (if strayed) to Mr.John Tite, of Loughton, near Stony-Stratford, shall be paid all reasonable Expences, and be handsomely rewarded for their Trouble; and if stolen, whoever will give Information of the Offender or Offenders, so that he or they may be brought to Justice, shall, on his or their Conviction, receive a Reward of TEN GUINEAS from the said John Tite.
Loughton, Oct. 27th, 1807.

---

To PARISH-OFFICERS, &c.
Wisbech, 6th October, 1807.

WHEREAS SAMUEL BAWTREE NEWMAN, of Wisbech St.Peter, in the Isle of Ely, Bricklayer, left his Home on Friday the 1st of November, 1799, and was afterwards seen at March in the Road to Chatteris; since which he has not been heard of, but is supposed to be either living in a Hospital or Poorhouse.
The said S.B.Newman (if living) is about 50 Years of Age, but through Infirmities looks much older; is of a low Stature, has a long Visage, pitted with the Small-Pox, and has so great an Impediment in his Speech, as scarcely to be understood.
The Executors of Mr.S.Newman (Father of the above) do, in Conformity to his Will, again and finally offer a Reward of ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS to any Person who may give such Information, prior to the 13th of March next, as may be the Means of restoring the said S.B.Newman to his Friends; as on the 13th of March is the Period when the Effects of his late Father are to be finally and irretrievably disposed of. It is therefore requested, that immediate Information may be given (if any can) to Mr.John Johnson, or Mr.Henry Rogley, both of Wisbech aforesaid.

---

George Inn, Woburn, Oct. 31st, 1807.
Whereas, about three Years ago, a Mr.Henry Holar left at the House of Mr.George Bull, the Sign of the George, at Woburn, in the County of Bedford,

A PORTMANTEAU,
Containing Linen, Wearing-Apparel, a Watch,
and other Articles,

And went away without paying his Bill, and whose Residence is not known to the said George Bull :
Notice is hereby given, That unless the Owner of the said Portmanteau, Linen, Wearing-Apparel, Watch, and other Articles, claims and takes away the same within fourteen Days from the Date hereof, and pays the Expences incurred thereon, the same will be sold to pay such Expences without further Notice.

---

To DEBTORS and CREDITORS.

ALL Persons having any Claim or Demand on the Estate and Effects of the late WILLIAM HARRIS, late of Bugbrook, Butcher, deceased, are desired to send an Account thereof to Thomas Turland, of Bugbrook aforesaid, his Executor, and the same shall be discharged; and all Persons indebted to the late William Harris, are requested to pay their Debts to the above-named Executor, or to Mr.Howes, Attorney, Northampton, who are authorized to received the same, or they will be sued for the same without further Notice.
Bugbrook, 30th October, 1807.

---

WILLIAM COOKE, of Hillmorton, in the County of Warwick, Coal-Dealer, having by Indenture bearing Date the ninth Day of May, 1807, assigned over all his Estate and Effects to Mr.Thomas Boddington, of Dunchurch, in the said County; Mr.Thomas Arnold, of Hopsford Mill, in the Parish of Withebrook, in the said County; and Mr.James Barnes, of Banbury, in the County of Oxford; in Trust, for the Benefit of all the Creditors of the said William Cooke who should sign the said Deed, and prove their Debts to the Satisfaction of the said Trustees;

Notice is hereby given,

That all Persons who have any Claim or Demands on the said William Cooke, are requested to send the Particulars thereof to the said Trustees, or one of them, before the 28th Day of November next; on which Day the said Trustees will meet at the George Inn, at Rugby, in the said County of Warwick, for the Purpose of making a Dividend for the Benefit of those Persons who shall have executed the said Assignment (which is lodged in the hands of Mr.Harris, Solicitor, Rugby, aforesaid). - And all Persons who stood indebted to the said William Cooke, previous to the Date of the Assignment, are required forthwith to pay their respective Debts to the said Trustees, or one of them, or otherwise they will be sued for the same.

---

FELONY.

WHEREAS JOHN HILLS, of the Parish of Biggleswade, in the County of Bedford, Labourer, stands charged upon the Oath of Mr.Jeremiah Banks, of Biggleswade aforesaid, Farmer, with having assaulted and stopped the said Jeremiah Banks, on the King's Highway between Baldock, in the County of Hertford, and Biggleswade aforesaid, on the Night of Friday the 2d Day of October instant (in Company with another Person, not yet in Custody), with an Intent to rob the said Jeremiah Banks : And the said John Hills having absconded, to elude the Pursuit of public Justice, a Reward of TEN GUINEAS is hereby offered, by the Biggleswade Association for the Prosecution of Felons, to any Person who will apprehend the said John Hills, and lodge him in any of His Majesty's Gaols, such Reward to be paid by me.
Wm.Chapman,
Solicitor and Treasurer to the Biggleswade Association.
* The said John Hills is about 30 Years of Age, 5 Feet 6 Inches high, has a thin Face, very dark Complexion, and it pitted with the Small-pox.
Biggleswade, 10th October, 1807.

---

FINEDON DRIED APPLES.

J.ABEL begs Leave respectfully to inform the Public, that he has on Sale a Quantity of the above APPLES, which he is now selling on the same Terms as the Person who prepares them at Finedon.
Square, Northampton, Oct.31st, 1807.

---

Yardley-Gobion, Oct. 27th, 1807.
STRAYED, into a Drove, some Time in September last.
A WETHER SHEEP,

and left by the Driver at Mr.George Harris's, the Sign of the Coffee-Pot, Yardley-Gobion, Northamptonshire.
The Owner, on describing the Marks, and paying the Expences, may have it again by applying as above. If not owned in 14 Days from the Date hereof, it will be sold to defray the Expences incurred.

---

WANTED, in a regular Family, A FEMALE SERVANT, about 30 Years of age, who thoroughly understands the better Part of Cooking, to wait upon a Lady, and get up small Linen; also an upper, steady, middle-aged MAN-SERVANT, who is well acquainted with his Business in general. Good Character expected.
Apply to Mr.Richardson, Hair-Dresser, Stony-Stratford

---

WANTED, A SUBSTITUTE to serve in the NORTHAMPTON MILITIA, for the Parish of Thornby.
Apply to John Facer, of Thornby.

---

R.SCRIVEN

RETURNS his most sincere Thanks to his Friends for the numerous Favours he has so long been honoured with, and informs them that he intends declining the SADDLERY BUSINESS, the Stock of which will continue to be sold, for a short Time, under Prime Cost.
R.S. at the same Time, most respectfully requests a Continuance of Support in the HAT BUSINESS, which he intends carrying on as usual; and will make it his Study to merit the Favours of his Friends and the Public, by constantly keeping an Assortment of the best and most fashionable Goods.
* He continues Agent to the Sun Fire-Office, the Security and advantageous Terms of which are well known.
Bridge-street, Northampton, Oct. 31st, 1807.

---

To be SOLD by AUCTION,
By Mason & Son,

On Tuesday the 3d of November, 1807, at the Rose-and-Crown Inn, in Gold-street, Northampton, at Three o'Clock in the Afternoon, subject to such Conditions of Sale as will be then and there produced.
ALL that desirable Freehold MESSUAGE or TENEMENT, with excellent Cellars, Yard, and large Garden adjoining, and Pump of excellent Water therein, situate in the Town of NORTHAMPTON aforesaid, in a Street there, called Gold-Street, or Mare-Fair, late in the Possession of Mrs.Mary Evans, deceased, and now of Mrs.Sarah Hollis; comprising two Parlours in the Front; a commodious Kitchen, back Kitchen, and large Brewhouse; four good Sleeping-Rooms, and another Room, with a Bow-Window, on the first Floor, and three very large Attics.
For further Particulars, apply to Mr.Buswell, Solicitor, or the Auctioneers, in Northampton.
Possession may be had at St.Thomas next if required.

---

To be Lett, to the Best Bidder,

At an Assembly of the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, of the Town of Northampton, at their Guildhall, in the said Town, on Thursday the 5th Day of November next, at Three o'Clock in the Afternoon, for a Term not exceeding 21 Years, subject to such Conditions as shall be then and there produced.
TWO several MESSUAGES or TENEMENTS, and a PIECE of GROUND adjoining, situate on the West Side of a Place called Newland, in the said Town of NORTHAMPTON, now in the several Occupations of William Murden, Elizabeth Hall, and William Paine.
A CLOSE of inclosed PASTURE GROUND, lying on the East Side of St.Giles's Church-Yard, in the said Town of NORTHAMPTON, containing by Estimation about one Acre (more or less), now in the Occupation of John Armytage, Esq.
Possession of the first-mentioned Premises may be had at Michaelmas next, and of the latter at Lady-Day next.
For further Particulars, apply to Mr.Jeyes, Town-Clerk, Northampton.

---

NORTHAMPTON,
Saturday Evening, October 31.

Married. Lately, J.W.Warren, Esq. Barrister, of the Inner Temple, to Miss Frances Steers, daughter of Charles Steers, Esq. of Hampstead, Middlesex.
On Saturday se'nnight, at Witney, Oxfordshire, Isaac Newton Lawrence, Esq. of Colthill, Berks, to Miss Symonds, of Witney.
On Tuesday se'nnight, Mr.William Sutton, of Girtford, Bedfordshire, to Miss Soden, eldest daughter of Mr.T.Soden, farmer, of Bubnell, Warwickshire.
Lately, at Fillongley, Warwickshire, Mr.P.Simpson (son of Dr.Simpson, of Coventry), to Miss Eliz.Wrigley Ferrebee, of Knutsford, in Cheshire.
On Wednesday se'nnight, Mr.Benjamin Hames, of Leicester, to Miss Young, of Loughborough, Leicestershire.
On Thursday se'nnight, Mr.Robert Rodgers, solicitor, of Sheffield, to Miss Maria Eboral, daughter of the late William Eboral, Esq. of Warwick.
Last week, Mr.Peter Prestow, of Nottingham, to Miss E.Hebb, daughter of Mr.Hebb, of Long-Claxton, Leicestershire.
On Monday last, Mr.Edward Inskip, poulterer, to Miss Charlotte Higgins, milliner, both of Shefford, Beds.
Died. On Monday se'nnight, at Baldock, Herts, aged 83, the Rev.Edward Pym.
Same day, Mrs.Needham, wife of Mr.Joseph Needham, of Barleythorpe, Rutland.
Lately, in London, Mr.John Barber, who for many years resided at Thrapston, in this county.
On Thursday se'nnight, at Warwick, after a long illness, aged 37, Mr.Thomas Boddington, draper, late of Coventry.
Same day, at Birmingham, Mr.Crompton, of Warwick.
A few days ago, Mr.Siddons, of Wigstone, in Leicestershire.
On Saturday last Mrs.Goode, wife of Mr.Goode, of Coventry.

A dispensation has passed the Great Seal to enable the Rev.Thomas Smith, M.A. Chaplain to Lord Monson, to hold the rectory of Frodingham, in the county of Lincoln, upon the presentation of the Rev.Thomas Broadley, of Kingston-upon-Hull.

A correspondent who was present at the Concert at Rugby, on Monday se'nnight, observes with much pleasure, that it was very respectably attended - Miss Hewitt, a child of only eleven years of age, daughter of the organist of that place, performed on the Grand Piano-Forte, Dussek's Concerto in B flat, one of the most difficult Concerto's that is published, with astonishing rapidity and correctness.- It was pronounced by judges, that she promises to make one of the finest players in the country. - She likewise took thorough Bass through the Concert.

The Comet, which was again observable for some hours on Wednesday night, has left the constellation of Hercules and approximated a small star between the head of Hercules and Serpentarius. The tail did not appear so bright and long as on some preceding evenings, from which circumstance it may be inferred, that it has made considerable distance in its declination.

A forgery of an alarming nature has just been discovered. The notes bear date from Hetlinghouse, Bath; are signed, "for Matthews, Bush, & Co. - W.Right;" and are drawn on the fictitious firm of "Elliot, Howard, & Co. Cheapside, London." - The circulation has yet been heard of only in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, and no smaller notes than £20 have been mentioned; but it is deemed probable, from the craft observable in this forgery, that notes for different sums, to a considerable amount, will soon be heard of in other parts of the country.

On Monday last the First Regiment of Northamptonshire Volunteers, commanded by the Right.Hon.Earl of Westmoreland, was inspected by Lieutenant-Colonel Delaval, near his Lordship's seat at Apethorpe. The regiment being completely clothed in new uniform, and mustering very strong (few of the members being absent), made a fine appearance; their arms were strictly inspected, and found to be in excellent order. The regiment afterwards went through a great variety of manoeuvres and firings, by platoons, wings, and battalion, with the greatest steadiness and precision, and had the high satisfaction to obtain the approbation and thanks of the Inspecting Field-Officer, and their noble Colonel, for their great attention and soldier-like demeanour; as well as the encouraging applause of several officers of high rank, and many persons of distinction, who were in the field - The officers, with a large party of the neighbouring gentry, sat down to an excellent collation after the review; and the men, after they had partaken largely of their Colonel's hospitality, marched off to their respective residences with a regularity that will ever do them honour, and must raise them highly in the opinion of their countrymen, as it is the best earnest of what may be expected from them, should their services be hereafter called for in defence of their native land, and the invaluable privileges of Englishmen.

The Leicestershire Regiment of Militia has lately experienced an augmentation that no regiment in the kingdom can boast of besides; the celebrated Mr.D.Lambert was drawn in the late ballot, but whether he serves in propria persona, or what number may be deemed necessary as his substitute, we believe is not yet determined.

On Thursday se'nnight an inquisition was taken before Thomas Marshall, Gent, his Majesty's Coroner for the eastern division of this county, on view of the body of Mrs.Eliz.Chapman, of Old (stated in our last to have been burnt to death in her bed-room). It appeared before the Coroner, that the deceased had occupied apartments in the house of Mr.Davis, of that place, for upwards of twelve years. She was sitting by herself in a parlour on Wednesday evening; and appeared as usual to the servant who attended her about seven o'clock; but on Mrs.Davis opening the parlour door about nine o'clock, she perceived the room full of smoke, and immediately gave an alarm. After some time, Mr.Davis succeeded in entering the room with a candle in his hand, when he found Mrs.Chapman lying on the floor, with the candle thrown down, her clothes much burnt, and her body miserably disfigured.
From these circumstances, and a particular examination of the body by a surgeon, the Jury were led to believe, that the deceased must suddenly have been struck with death, and in the act of falling had knocked down the candle, and burnt her clothes and body; as her shrieks or exertions must otherwise have alarmed the family, who were sitting in a room nearly adjoining the deceased's. She was in the 69th year of her age.

On Thursday se'nnight, a melancholy accident happened at Lighthorne, Warwickshire : - Two brothers, of the names of Garrett, went out together to gather acorns, when the eldest, a boy about 13 years of age, got up in a tree to beat them down with a small pole, which fell out of his hand upon the head of the younger brother, about 7 years of age, fractured his scull and killed him . - The Coroner's inquest met on Friday, and returned a verdict of - Accidental Death.

A large corn-stack at Metherington, near Lincoln, the property of Mr.Robert Wilson, was entirely consumed by fire on Sunday se'nnight. The accident was occasioned by a train of straw and combustible materials being set fire to when the oven was heated in the kitchen, which communicated to the stack.

On Monday last, a writ of enquiry was executed before the under sheriff, at the castle of Lincoln, between the Rev.Chris.Cookson, plaintiff, and the Rev.W.Gray, defendant. This action was brought to recover the value of dilapidations arising from the defendant suffering the vicarage house and buildings, at Cherry Wellingham, to remain in a ruinous and decayed state. The jury immediately gave the plaintiff a verdict of £20 and costs.

---

---

THE MARINER's DREAM.

In slumbers of midnight the Sailor-boy lay,
His hammock slung loose at the sport of the wind;
But watch-worn and weary, his cares flew away,
And visions of happiness danc'd o'er his mind.

He dreamt of his house, of his dear native bowers,
And pleasures that waited on life's merry morn -
While mem'ry stood sideways, half cover's with flowers,
And restor'd ev'ry rose, but secreted its thorn.

Then fancy her magical pinions spread wide,
And bade the young dreamer in ecstasy rise :-
Now far, far behind him the green waters glide,
And the cot of his forefathers blesses his eyes.

The jessamine chambers in flower o'er the thatch,
And the swallow sings sweet from her nest in the wall;
All trembling with transport he raises the latch,
And the voices of lov'd ones in reply to his call.

A father bends o'er him with a look of delight -
His cheek is empearl'd with a mother's warm tear -
And the lips of the boy in a love-kiss unite
With the lips of the maid whom his bosom hold dear.

The heart of the sleeper beats high in his breast,
Joy quickens his pulse - all hardships seem o'er;
And a murmur of happiness steals through his rest -
"Oh God ! thou hast bless'd me, I ask for no more !"

Ah ! whence is that flame which now bursts on his eye ?
Ah ! what is that sound which now larums his ear ?
'Tis the lightning's red glare, painting hell in the sky !
'Tis the crashing of thunders, the groan of the sphere !

He springs from his hammock - he flies to the deck -
Amazement confronts him with images dire;
Wild winds and mad waves drive the vessel a wreck -
The masts fly in splinters - the shrouds are on fire !

Like mountains the billows tremendously swell,
In vain the lost wretch calls on mercy to save;
Unseen hands of spirits are ringing his knell,
And the death-angel flaps his broad wings o'er the wave.

Oh ! sailor-boy ! woe to thy dream of delight !
In darkness dissolves the gay frost-work of bliss; -
Where now is the picture which fancy touch'd bright,
Thy parent's fond pressure, and love's honey'd kiss ?

Oh ! sailor-boy ! sailor-boy ! never again
Shall home, love, or kindred, thy wishes repay;
Unbless'd and unhonour'd, down deep in the main
Full many a score fathom, thy frame shall decay.

No tomb shall e'er plead in remembrance of thee,
Or redeem form or fame from the merciless surge;
But the white foam of waves shall thy winding-sheet be,
And winds, in the midnight of winter, thy dirge !

On beds of green sea-flower thy limbs shall be laid,
Around thy white bones the red coral shall grow;
Of thy fair yellow locks threads of amber be made,
And every part suit to thy mansion below.

Days, months, years, and ages shall circle away,
And still the vast waters above thee shall roll :
Earth loses thy pattern for ever and aye -
Oh ! sailor-boy ! sailor-boy ! peace to thy soul !

---