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. He gave us this eternal spring, On daily visits through the air. *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; after time 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, 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. THE MISSION OF THE PILGRIMS. Pontiff and Prince, your sway Must crumble from that day. Before the loftier throne of Heaven, The band is raised, the pledge is given- 39 That monarch, God; that creed, His Word alone. Spread out earth's holiest records here, In blood and guilt, The worshippers of vulgar triumph dwell, Man's spirit to unbind? Who boundless seas passed o'er And boldly met, in every path, Famine, and frost, and heathen wrath, To dedicate a shore, Where Piety's meek train might breathe their vow, And seek their Maker with an unshamed brow; Where Liberty's glad race might proudly come, And set up there an everlasting home! O, many a time it hath been told, |