arp snappings like castanets. You
could hear the hiss and seething of the sea alongside, and see it
flash by in sudden white patches of phosphorescent foam, while all
over head was black with the flying scud. The English second mate
was stamping with vexation, and, with all his h's misplaced,
storming at the men: ''An'somely the weather mainbrace--'an'somely,
I tell you!--'Alf a dozen of you clap on to the main sheet
here--down with 'im!--D'y'see 'ere's hall like a midshipman's
bag--heverythink huppermost and nothing 'andy. 'Aul 'im in, Hi
say!' But the sail wouldn't come, though. All the most forcible
expressions of the Commination Service were liberally bestowed on
the watch. 'Give us the song, men!' sang out the mate, at
last--'pull with a will!--together men!--haltogether now!'--And
then a cracked, melancholy voice struck up this chant:

'Oh, the bowline, bully, bully bowline,
Oh, the bowline, bowline, HAUL!'

At the last word every man threw his whole strength into the
pull--all singing it in chorus, with a quick, explosive sound. And
so, jump by jump, the sheet was at last hauled taut.'

It would be well if the philanthropist and utilitarian would stoop to
examine these primeval but neglected facts, for there is no doubt that
under the healthful and delicious spell of Rhythm a far steadier and
greater amount of labor would be cheerfully and happily endured by the
working classes. The continuous but rhythmed croon of the negro when at
work, the yo-heave-o of the sailor straining at the cordage, the rowing
songs of the oarsman, etc., etc., are all suggestive of what might be
effected by judicious effort in this direction. But man, ever wiser than
his Maker, neglects the intuitions of nature. Rendered conceited by a
false education, and heartless by a constant craving for gold, he
scorns the simple but deep intuitions which are his surest guide to
civilization, health, and cheerfulness. There can be no doubt that the
physical exercise so distasteful to the pale inhabitants of our cities,
yet so essential for the preservation of health and life, might be
rendered delightful and invigorating through the neglected powers of
rhythmical motion. Like Michal, the proud daughter of Saul, who despised
King David in her haughty heart when 'she saw him dancing with all his
might before the Lord,' we scorn the simple and innocent