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Higginson, Thomas Wentworth, 1823-1911

"Tales of the Enchanted Islands of the Atlantic"

Lawrence, which was travelled by the Maine Indians." Ramusio's map of1559 represents "Nurumbega" as a large island, well defined (Winsor, IV.p. 91); and so does that of Ruscelli (Winsor, IV. p. 92), the latterspelling it "Nurumberg." Some geographers supposed it to extend as far asFlorida. The name was also given to a river (probably the Penobscot) andto a cape. The following is Longfellow's poem on the voyage of SirHumphrey Gilbert:--SIR HUMPHREY GILBERT Southward with fleet of ice Sailed the corsair Death; Wild and fast blew the blast, And the east-wind was his breath. His lordly ships of ice Glisten in the sun; On each side, like pennons wide, Flashing crystal streamlets run. His sails of white sea-mist Dripped with silver rain; But where he passed there were cast Leaden shadows o'er the main. Eastward from Campobello Sir Humphrey Gilbert sailed; Three days or more seaward he bore, Then, alas! the land-wind failed. Alas! the land-wind failed, And ice-cold grew the night; And nevermore, on sea or shore, Should Sir Humphrey see the light. He sat upon the deck, The Book was in his hand; "Do not fear! Heaven is as near," He said, "by water as by land!" In the first watch of the night, Without a signal's sound, Out of the sea, mysteriously, The fleet of Death rose all around.


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