"He that only rules by terror Doeth grievous wrong. Deep as hell I count his error. Let him hear my song. Brave the Captain was; the seamen Made a gallant crew, Gallant sons of English freemen, Sailors bold and true, But they hated his oppression; Stern he was and rash, So for every light transgression Doom’d them to the lash. Day by day more harsh and cruel Seem’d the Captain’s mood. Secret wrath like smother’d fuel Burnt in each man’s blood."
The Mutiny on the Bounty occurred in the Pacific Ocean on 28 April 1789. Disaffected crewmen, led by acting-Lieutenant Fletcher Christian, seized control of HMS Bounty from the captain, Lieutenant William Bligh, and set him and eighteen loyalists adrift in the ship's open launch. The reasons behind the mutiny are still debated.
"It was in those violent Tornadoes of temper when he lost himself, yet, when all, in his opinion, went right, could a man be more placid and interesting ...? Once or twice indeed I felt the unbridled licence of his power of speech, yet never without soon receiving something like an emollient plaister to heal the wound."
Mutiny on the Bounty"Fiercely beside thy cot the mutineer Stands, and proclaims the reign of rage and fear. Thy limbs are bound, the bayonet at thy breast; The hands, which trembled at thy voice, arrest; Dragged o’er the deck, no more at thy command The obedient helm shall veer, the sail expand."
Mutiny on the Bounty"Awake, Bold Bligh! The foe is at the gate! Awake Bold Bligh! Alas! it is too late!"
Mutiny on the Bounty"Their sea-green isle, their guilt-won Paradise, No more could shield their Virtue or their Vice: Their better feelings, if such were, were thrown Back on themselves, – their sins remained alone. Proscribed even in their second country, they Were lost."
Mutiny on the Bounty"Men did not desert because they hated their commanders, or salt pork, or weevily biscuits; they deserted for love."
Mutiny on the Bounty"My dear Nessy, cherish your hope and I will exercise my patience."
Mutiny on the Bounty