Читать книгу Bentley's Miscellany, Volume II - Various - Страница 14

Love launch'd a gallant little craft,

Complete with every rope;

In golden words was painted aft —

"The Cupid, Captain Hope."

Pleasure was rated second-mate,

And Passion made to steer;

The guns were handed o'er to Fate,

To Impulse sailing-gear.

Merrily roved the thoughtless crew

Amidst the billows' strife;

But soon a sail bore down, – all knew

'Twas Captain Reason's "Life."

And Pleasure left, though Passion said

He'd guard her safe from all harms.

'Twas vain; for Fate ramm'd home the lead,

While Love prepared the small-arms.

A storm arose! The canvass now

Escaped from Impulse' hand,

While headstrong Passion dash'd the prow

Swift on a rocky strand.

"All's lost!" each trembling sailor cried;

"Bid Captain Hope adieu!"

But in his life-boat Reason hied

To save the silly crew.

Impulse the torrents overwhelm,

But Pleasure 'scaped from wreck;

Love, making Reason take the helm,

Chain'd Passion to the deck.

"I thought you were my foe; but now,"

Said Love, "we'll sail together;

Reason, henceforth through life shalt thou

My pilot be for ever!"