Classic Poem

ODE XIV.— TO THE VESSEL OF THE STATE.
AN ALLEGORY .

AN REMPUBLICAM .

What fresh perdition urges,
Galley! thy darksome track,
Once more upon the surges?
Hie to the haven back!
Doth not the lightning show thee
Thou hast got none to row thee?

Is not thy mainmast shattered?
Hath not the boisterous south
Thy yards and rigging scattered?
In dishabille uncouth,
How canst thou hope to weather
The storms that round thee gather?

Rent are the sails that deck'd thee;
Deaf are thy gods become,
Though summoned to protect thee,
Though sued to save thee from
The fate thou most abhorrest,
Proud daughter of the forest!

Thy vanity would vaunt us,
Yon richly pictured poop
Pine-timbers from the Pontus;
Fear lest, in one fell swoop,
Paint, pride, and pine-trees hollow,
The scoffing whirlpool swallow!

I've watched thee, sad and pensive,
Source of my recent cares!
Oh, wisely apprehensive,
Venture not unawares
Where Greece spreads out her seas,
Begemmed with Cyclades!