National Gazette

TORMENTINA's COMPLAINT.

IN shades we live, in shades we die!
Cool zephyrs breathe to our repose,
In shallow streams we love to play,—
But, cruel, you that praise deny,
Which you might give, and nothing lose,
And then pursue your destin'd way.

Ungrateful man! when, anchoring here,
On shore you came to beg relief,
I show'd you where the fig-trees grow,
And wandering with you, void of fear,
To hear the story of your grief,
I pointed where sweet waters flow.

The men that scorn'd your ragged crew,
(So long the sport of Neptune's rage—)
I told them what your sufferings were;
Told them, that landsmen never knew
The trade, that hastens frozen age,
The life, that brings the brow of care!

A ram, the favorite of the flock,
To your unpitying crew I gave
To roast or boil on yonder deep:
My heart could scarce endure the shock
When on the margin of the wave
You slew the father of my sheep.

Along your native northern shores
From isle to isle, where'er you stray,
Of all the nymphs, that catch the eye,
They scarce can be excell'd by ours;
Altho' in cooler shades they play,
And summer suns come not so nigh.

Confess your fault, mistaken swain.
And own, at least, our equal charms:
Have you no flowers of yellow hue
That please your fancy, on the plain;—
Would you not guard those flowers from harms
If Nature's self each picture drew?

Vain are your sighs, in vain your tears!
Your barque must still at anchor lay,
And you remain a slave to care,
A thousand doubts, a thousand fears!
Till what you said, you shall unsay.
Bermudian Lasses are not fair!

SINBAT.
Castle Island, Bermuda, Jan. 20, 1789.