In the days of piracy What a cursed knave was he Who, to draw his victim near, Clothed his ship with garb of fear, -- Sails in tattered wretchedness, -- Flying signals of distress. Then, as unsuspecting ruth Lured a ship to that untruth, Sabre stroke and musket shot Were the thanks the saviors got. Thus, O God of eager love, Would my prayers Thy pity move; This my signal of distress: "Save me, Lord, from guiltiness!" Thus, my secret heart within Cleaving still to deadly sin, So do I, a cursed knave, Stab the God who comes to save. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CORTEGE by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON COLD HANDS WARM HEART by KAREN SWENSON STANZAS TO A LADY, WITH THE POEMS OF CAMOENS by GEORGE GORDON BYRON THE BATTLE OF CHARLESTON HARBOR by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE COMFORT IN AFFLICTION by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN |