Page 135 - The model orator, or, Young folks' speaker : containing the choicest recitations and readings from the best authors for schools, public entertainments, social gatherings, Sunday schools, etc. : including recitals in prose and verse ...

It was but a moment, but ages seemed to have passed away,

When a shout came over the water, and 1 looked, and k>, (here hy,
Right away from the vessel, a boat that was standing by;
They had seen our forms on the vessel, as the flames lit up the sky.

I shouted a prayer tn Heaven, then called to my wife, and she
Tore with new strength at my fetters— God helped her, and I was free;
Then over the. burning bulwarks we leaped ior one chance of life.
Did they save us ? Well, here I am, sir, and yonder’* my dear o'.d wife.

We were out in the boat till daylight, when a great ship pasting by
Took us on. board, and at Melbourne landed us by and by.

We’ve played many parts in dramas since we went on that famous trip,
Bui: ne'er such a scene together as we had on the burning .ship!
O ■_» L
Geo ran; R. S i.us.

ZARA FI.
T H E sultry day has closed at night on Syria's glowing plains.
The stars are gleaming pure and bright, the moon in beauty reigns
Far o ’er tiie waste of drifting sand fhe fiery coursers speed,
Free as the air the Arab hands, die men o f flaring deed,
The white tents glimmer in tiie limit bv Acre's storied fane, '
J
o
o
W here erst streamed out the banners bright on Syria's hoary plain—
And where the cross was held on high by Europe's knights o f old,
Their Janc.es pointing to the say, their arms o f burnished gold.

Reside the tent af midnight hour is heard a stifled moan,
A murmuring to Allah's power, to Allah's daz/ding throne;
A n d suffering, weak', and wounded sore, the fainting captive lay.
His m cm Tics with the battles were, his dread the coming day.
A nd home and wife and children dear came thronging through his brain
Unmanned at lest, the sdent tear wel.-; his dark cheek like rain—
But hark ! lie hears a gentle sound, it (knits along tile plain,
It makes Ins fainting pulses bound, it .stills hi* maddening pain,
S