Chapter 33
The Eagle of the Blue by Herman Melville. Read for LibriVox.org by Carrie Schlescher. Aloft he guards the starry folds, Who is the brother of the star, The bird whose joy is in the wind, Exulteth in the war. No painted plume, a sober hue, His beauty is his power.
That eager calm of gaze intent, Foresees the Sybil's hour. Auster he crowns the swaying perch, Flapped by the angry flag. The hurricane from the battery sings, But his claw has known the crag. Amid the scream of shells, His scream runs shrilling and the glare, Of eyes that brave the blinding sun, The volleyed flame can bear.
The pride of quenchless strength is his, Strength which though chained avails. The very rebel looks and thrills, The anchored emblem hails. Though scarred in a many-furious fray, No deadly hurt he knew. Well may we think his years are charmed. The Eagle of the Blue.
End of poem. This recording is in the public domain.
