One fair maiden, sweet though stately,
Lingered in his every dream,
Touching all his hopes of glory
With a brighter, nobler gleam.
Daughter of a haughty father,
Daughter of an ancient race,
Yet her wilful heart surrendered,
Conquered by his handsome face;
And she spent her days in looking
Out across the southern seas,
Picturing how his bark was carried
Onward by the favouring breeze.
Little wonder that she loved him,
Abel Tasman brave and tall;
Though the wealthy planters sought her,
He was dearer than them all.
Dearer still, because her father
Said to him, with distant pride,
"Darest thou, a simple captain,
Seek my daughter for thy bride?"
But at length the gallant seaman
Won himself an honoured name;
When again he met the maiden,
At her feet he laid his fame:
Said to her, "My country sends me,
Trusted with a high command,
With the 'Zeehan' and the 'Heemskirk,'
To explore the southern strand."
"I must claim it for my country,
Plant her flag upon its shore;
But I hope to win you, darling,
When the dangerous cruise is o'er."
And her haughty sire relenting,
Did not care to say him nay:
Flushing high with love and valour,
Sailed the gallant far away.
Pages:
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28