Classic Poem

As falcons from their native eyrie soar,
So, tired of woes long borne with haughty air,
Bold-hearted men from Palos and Moguer
Went forth with daring dreams mad to the core.

They longed to seize the fabled metal store
Cipango's mines in rich perfection bear,
And favoring breezes bade their brave prows dare
The dim, mysterious occidental shore.

At eve, as Hope unveiled each epic view,
The tropic sea's bright phosphorescent blue
Bewitched their slumbers with mirage of gold;

Or from the foredeck of their caravels
On alien skies they wondered to behold
Strange stars new risen from ocean's glowing wells.