Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FIRST VOYAGE OF JOHN CABOT [1497], by KATHARINE LEE BATES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FIRST VOYAGE OF JOHN CABOT [1497], by                 Poet's Biography
First Line: He chases shadows,' sneered the british tars
Last Line: "fair fall the shadow-seekers!"" quoth the king."
Subject(s): America - Exploration; Cabot, John (1450-1499)


"HE chases shadows," sneered the British tars.
"As well fling nets to catch the golden stars
As climb the surges of earth's utmost sea."
But for the Venice pilot, meagre, wan,
His swarthy sons beside him, life began
With that slipt cable, when his dream rode free.

And Henry, on his battle-wrested throne,
The Councils done, would speak in musing tone
Of Cabot, not the cargo he might bring.
"Man's heart, though morsel scant for hungry crow,
Is greater than a world can fill, and so
Fair fall the shadow-seekers!" quoth the king.





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