With the marauders. Wild was the life we led; 66 Many a wassail bout1 "Once as I told in glee Soft eyes did gaze on me, And as the white stars shine, "I wooed the blue-eyed maid, Our vows were plighted. Fluttered her little breast, 1 Wassail bout: A drinking bout, a carousal. 2 Berserk: In Norse legend a warrior who fought with frenzied fury. "Scarce had I put to sea, Bearing the maid with me, Among the Norsemen ! When on the white sea strand, With twenty horsemen. "Then launched they to the blast, And with a sudden flaw "And as to catch the gale. Round veered the flapping sail, Death! 'Twas the helmsman's hail, Death without quarter! Midships with iron keel Struck we her ribs of steel; "As with his wings aslant Sails the fierce cormorant 2 1 Skaw: A cape, or promontory. Seeking some rocky haunt, With his prey laden, Through the wild hurricane, Bore I the maiden. "Three weeks we westward bore, "There lived we many years; Time dried the maiden's tears; She had forgot her fears, She was a mother; Death closed her mild blue eyes, Under that tower she lies; Ne'er shall the sun arise On such another! "Still grew my bosom then, In the vast forest here CH. LIT. V. - 2 Fell I upon my spear, Oh, death was grateful! "Thus seamed with many scars, Bursting these prison bars, My soul ascended! There from the flowing bowl Deep drinks the warrior's soul, Skoal! To the Northland skoal!" 1 Thus the tale ended. 1 Skoal: A Scandinavian salutation when drinking a health. THE LANDING OF COLUMBUS WILLIAM ROBERTSON S soon as the sun rose, all their boats were manned AS and armed. They rowed toward the island with their colors displayed, with warlike music, and other martial THE SANTA MARIA pomp. As they approached the coast, they saw it covered with a multitude of people, whose attitudes and gestures expressed wonder and astonishment at the strange objects which presented themselves. to their view. Columbus was the first European who set foot in the New World which he had discovered. He landed in a rich dress, and with naked sword in his hand. His men followed, and kneeling down, |