After this it came of course into the possession of the French, who established their base of operations in the several bays which indent the Chersonese towards the west; and has no doubt since been of inestimable service as a guide to the innumerable fleet of transports ever departing and returning on their ceaseless errand to supply the gigantic cravings of an army, two thousand miles away from home. In the foreground of the drawing, one of these vessels, whose eccentric build and rig proclaim her at once as a Turkish craft, is being towed out by three boats' crews, so as to obtain an offing, and make a fair start.
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Light fleecy clouds scudding past the crescent moon seem to give promise of a squally evening, and the already perceptible ripple on the water conveys the pleasing intelligence to our Turkish friend, that the sails he is already beginning to shake out wiU not flap idly against the mast for lack of a breeze. Soon the lighthouse wiU be far behind, and its cheering and protecting ray will sink below the distant horizon; but none the less
" Steadfast, serene, immovable, the same
Year after year, through all the silent night Bums on for evermore that quenchless flame, Shines on that inextinguishable light.
It sees the ocean to its bosom clasp
The rocks and sea-sand with the kiss of peace;
It sees the wild winds lift it in their grasp, And hold it up, and shake it like a fleece.
The startled waves leap over it; the storm
Smites it with all the scourges of the rain, And steadily against its solid form
Press the great shoulders of the hurricane.
The sea-bird wheeling round it, with the din
Of wings and winds and solitary cries, Blinded and maddened by the light within.
Dashes himseK against the glare and dies.
A new Prometheus, chained upon the rock,
StUl grasping in his hand the fire of Jove,,
It does not hear the cry, nor heed the shock, But hails the mariner with words of love.
'SaU on,' it says, ' sail on, ye stately ships!
And with your floating bridge the ocean span; Be mine to guard this light from all eclipse,