British, euphonious, clear and short, Rede me a name of better sort! 

Oftener than once the broad Atlantic,

Have shuddered at the waves gigantic,

Fearing that really nevermore

I'd find myself again ashore.

In moments of perturbed reflection,

Time and again the same direction.

I'd think of that adventurous man,

Who crossed the sea—first of my clan.

Upon my family tree's broad branches

I know that I am taking chances

In digging them up from the past

To deck this hardy tree at last.

And even less my ink and paper,

Is my descent (some cut this caper),

Nor in King Alfred root my tree—

Here's jocund genealogy.

Or even a Colonial preacher

A good Selectman, stern of feature,

Provided they came early here.

 Prev. P 40/59 next