Distinct as the billows, yet one as the sea

Gashed with honourable scars, Low in Glory's lap they lie; Though they fell, they fell like stars, Streaming splendour through the sky.

Once, in the flight of ages past, There lived a man.

Nature's prime favourites were the Pelicans; High-fed, long-lived, and sociable and free.

When the good man yields his breath (For the good man never dies).

The nursery of brooding Pelicans, The dormitory of their dead, had vanish'd, And all the minor spots of rock and verdure, The abodes of happy millions, were no more.

Counts his sure gains, and hurries back for more.