Classic Poem

Viewed with a sceptical eye what more insignificant sight
Offered itself to the world than the Mayflower ready for flight
Over the barren main to a land where savages prowled.
Such an unseaworthy vessel — so small, so cramped, so befouled,
Leaky, exposed to the weather, slow and cumbrous in form,
Most ill-fashioned to sail, unfitted to cope with the storm!
Then such a hireling crew, gathered in from Londiman slums,
Ready for any emprise, no matter what obloquy comes;
Such a cargo of motley equipment for households uptorn,
Such a cabin of passengers meet for derision and scorn,
Wet, bedraggled, and ill, cold, homesick, hungry, forlorn;
Yet with steadfast courage, that rather would die than turn back;
Heroes of history, martyrs who'd welcome the thumbscrew and rack
Ere they would yield an iota of truth at the threat of hell's might.
Viewed with an eye for results, what more significant sight!