THE SLAVE SHIP.[Suggested by Turner's Picture at the Art Museum.]
LO, a lurid gleam of hell, To which drifts on the cursèd ship! The seething waters leap in glittering strength To toss dead men in chains. Lo here, lo there, a clenched hand is seen, In Death's wild clutch of agony! Above the purple horror gleams The iron impress of man's tyranny. Rises a rigid foot, that once was free; And weird, unshapely monsters of the Deep, Fierce-eyed with horrid hunger, Crowd round the ghastly feast; While shuddering Night sends from the East A misty shroud to hide the damned.
