Spanish Pilots

These were the ragged peon crews, Half-bloods of Aztec women, Of Spaniards and adventurers Who were not seeking heaven! But out on the broad seas driven, And from the Horn to Sitka, They searched for deep-sea findings The whole unknown way, With "small ringing of bells And no trumpet blare, Empty stomachs, and empty guns, But plenty of prayer." And if they failed of the findings, Nothing behind but the branding irons, Or slavery in the mines. Yet they sang As they sailed in their rickety death-traps; They laughed as they rode, And they sank as the rip-tide caught them fast With a cry to the Virgin, A prayer to the Virgin-- There was plenty of prayer at the last!