The word I speak will blanch thy cheek, if human heart be thine,
It was a fiend in human form that murmured it to mine.
To die for me! a thoughtless child! for me must blood be shed!
Bend low,—lest angels hear me ask!—oh! God!—the Baptist’s head!”
THE LIGHTNING OF THE WATERS.
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BY DR. REYNELL COATES.
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There are few phenomena observable on the ocean, more striking than the phosphorescence of the water, when seen in high perfection. It has forcibly attracted the attention of poets and philosophers in all ages, and many and curious have been the speculations of those who have endeavored to explain the brilliant apparition. In later times, however, the progress of natural science has dissipated the mystery to a considerable extent, destroying a portion of its romantic interest, without, thereby, diminishing its exquisite beauty.