And to the shepherds sung a Savior born.

Slowly, bareheaded, through the surf we bore

The sacred cross, and kneeling, kissed the shore.

But what a scene was there? Nymphs of romance!

Youths graceful as the fawn, with eager glance

Spring from the glades, and down the alleys peep;

Some headlong rush, bounding from steep to steep,

And clap their hands, exclaiming as they run,

'Come and behold the children of the sun!'

When hark, a signal-shot! The voice it came