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ints the dim horizon, Holding unseen its island star within. "A miracle!" quoth BERTHO; "Love, observe How all these waves set from the shore, and glide Like a broad river, 'twixt these frozen banks. The current which ran northward with thy boat, Has overtopped the Pole, and flows away, A liquid belt, girdling the earth. Alas! We have no trusty boat in which to launch, Once more, our fortunes on the promising deep." Wearied, they flung themselves upon the shore, And, hand in hand, sat gazing on the sea With home-sick longing. WOLE, the eager-eyed, From his far height espied them where they sat, And sent four of his people to their aid (Such power hath youth and beauty through the world!) Bearing a skiff, contrived of ribs of whales, For frame work,--these, inwove with fibrous moss, And lined with furs of savage Arctic beasts Which he had slain. When, with this welcome gift The slaves appeared, and bowed at OLIVE's feet, The tears sprang to her eyes; her heart was touched By this rude warrior's magnanimity. They put to sea. Scarce were they free from land, When, o'er the plain they saw OENE advance, Alone and melancholy, to the shore. Her anger was subdued by greater grief; While something new and holier than sorrow Restrained revenge. It was the Love Divine Which sacrifices self to others' good. Some word, Sir JOHN had uttered when her wrath Would have consumed him, fell upon her heart Like rain on a thirsty garden--there sprang up The amaranthine flower of charity Whose seed was dropped from heaven; the nameless pain, The want, which she had ever felt, was gone; She knew the immortal meaning of the Soul, And blessed the speaker for the 'perfect work.' Speedily from her sight they floated out; But, long time, while gazing, they saw her stand In desolate beauty, silent on the beach. The plaintive music of a horn wound down From WOLE's grey fortress; all the fading scene Lay, like a sad thought in a musing breast Called up by the enchantment of sweet sound-- A thought, no more--all,--save those lustrous eyes Shining upon them like two troubled stars-- Vaguely receding into things that were: While, high and low, in whispering melodies Borne by the uncertain winds, a farewell came:-- Oh, when for love we
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