Classic Poem

While passing through the Straits of Gibraltar.

Fair was the day, all blythsome blew the gales,
And only favouring zephyrs fann'd the sails.
Full on the right, tremendous rose to view,
Rude Afric's mountains, cloath'd in sable hue;
And not unrivall'd on the other side,
The Andalusian hills frown'd o'er the tide:
And now, as from the Atlantic surge we steer'd,
The seat of Mars himself, Gibraltar's rock appear'd.
In proud romantic state it awful rose,
And look'd indignant on insulting foes.
Such scenes the mind with various feelings fir'd,
And ev'n the visions of the night inspir'd.
When lo! methought our bark resail'd the tide,
And Gib again I view'd with English pride;
And wond'rous, as I look'd on either side,
Near me methought, the far fam'd C ORTEZ stood,
And next to him the shade of P ENN I view'd
When C ORTEZ pointing towards the slaughterous place,
" There lives, " cried he, " the first of human race!
" Glory herself presides o'er that blest rock,
" Of men, and winds, and seas, it stands the shock.
" In me tho' Mexico's conqueror you behold,
" And him who murder'd men and ransack'l climes for gold:
" Yet P ENN , continued he, with thundering voice,
" Much more would my ambitious soul rejoice,
" On this rude rock to hold of war the rod,
" And shine in Europe's eyes Gibraltar's god,
" To hurl destructive red-hot balls around,
" And see the daring foe or burnt or drown'd,
" Than be that C ORTEZ , tho' my well known name,
" Scarce boasts a rival in the lists of fame. "

Here P ENN , with accents forcible and mild,
While on the impassion'd conqueror he smil'd,
" C ORTEZ ! full well thou know'st my different creed,
" And that my heart-strings at this prospect bleed;
" Thou know'st with what a different eye I see,
" That horrid system long embrac'd by thee:
" For oft' our conversations this way lead,
" And even C ORTEZ will sometimes recede.
" Say on America's delightful shore,
" Without the murderous blade, or cannon's roar,
" Have I not conquer'd, and far more obtain'd,
" Than ever thy rapacious madness gain'd?
" Ev'n now on earth my fame surpasses thine,
" And brighter blazon'd all my actions shine.
" Come let's away . . . this prospect glooms my heart,
" And makes the tear of deep affliction start.
" I weep that man each blessing should pervert,
" Each principle of peace and love desert;
" Should violate each godlike feeling given,
" And turn to hell, a world design'd for heaven. "