HOME OF THE PILGRIMS. OVER the mountain wave, see where they come ! Storm-cloud and wintry wind welcome them home; Yet, where the sounding gale howls to the sea, There their song peals along, deep-toned and free: "Pilgrims and wanderers, hither we come, Where the free dare to be-this is our home!" England hath sunny dales, dearly they bloom; "Pilgrims and wanderers, hither we come, Dim grew the forest-path; onward they trod; 66 Pilgrims and wanderers, hither we come, Where the free dare to be-this is our home!" Not theirs the glory wreath, torn by the blast ; Heavenward their holy steps, heavenward they pass'd! "Pilgrims and wanderers, hither we come, GEORGE LUNT. PILGRIMS IN SUNNY CLIMES.* WHERE the remote Bermudas ride "What should we do but sing His praise, And yet far kinder than our own? Where He the huge sea-monster wracks, Safe from the storms' and prelates' rage. The above lines do not refer to the Pilgrim Fathers, but to a settlement at the Bermudas under somewhat similar circumstances, as is evidenced by the allusion to immunity from persecution for conscience sake. By the third patent of the Virginia Company, granted in 1612, the Bermudas, and all islands within three hundred leagues of the coast, were included within the limits of their jurisdiction. These islands they sold to 120 of their own members, who became a distinct corporation, under the name of the Somers' Islands Company.-See "Stith's Virginia," p. 127, App. 4. George Mourt, writing of the Pilgrims of Plymouth, says: "The example of the Honourable Virginia and Bermudas Companies encountering with so many disasters, and that for divers years together, with an unwearied resolution, the good effects whereof are now eminent, may prevail as a spur of preparation also touching this no less hopeful country. Though yet an infant, their extent and commodities are as yet not fully known; aftertime will unfold more." 36 PILGRIMS IN SUNNY CLIMES. He hangs in shades the orange bright, Thus sung they, in the English boat, ANDREW MARVELL. THE MISSION OF THE PILGRIMS. THEY Come-that coming who shall tell? It were an envied fate, we deem, When we are in the tomb. Knew we those waves, through coming time, D 38 THE MISSION OF THE PILGRIMS. Their hearts no proud hereafter swelled; Yet strong in weakness, there they stand Stern and resolved, that faithful band, Though anguish rends the father's breast, With him the waste who trod; Though tears that freeze the mother sheds In grateful adoration now, Upon the barren sands they bow; What tongue of joy e'er woke such prayer As bursts in desolation there! What arm of strength e'er wrought such power As waits to crown that feeble hour! There into life an infant empire springs! There falls the iron from the soul, There Liberty's young accents roll Up to the King of kings! To fair creation's farthest bound That thrilling summons yet shall sound; The dreaming nations shall awake, And to their centre earth's old kingdoms shake. |