The Hermit

Fools drove him with goads and whips Down to the sea where there were ships. And he was forced at the risk of his neck To find a refuge on a stranger's deck. Then that ship sailed away Far from the land that day, He watched the sky, and mourned to be In such a dread captivity. But from a rift of flying cloud Burst a tempest quick and loud; A burning bolt struck the strange deck Bringing the ship to sudden wreck. So the poor slave swam free Over a quick calmed sea: On a new coast-line he was thrown, And claimed a virgin island for his own. In the quiet island was such pleasure, In solitude he found such treasure. He took rude tools And carved a splendid monument to fools.