Entering the jaws of death, As Roberval steered from them, Outbreathing curses loud, And imprecations furious That stout hearts chilled and cowed. The ship receded--vanished, Leaving the wave-tossed three All valiantly contending With the belated sea. The swimmer battled fiercely, With ocean's maddening strife, As the frail women bravely Contended for dear life. Till haply, thanks to heaven, They're saved, for see, they stand Linked heart and hand together, The three once more on land. 'Tis said infernal demons, Beset them day and night, And with their shrieks satanic Chilled them with dire affright. But a strong hand celestial Was ever interposed, And round about them ever A viewless barrier closed. Unutterably hideous, Th' infernal brood of hell, Howling in baffled fury, Around them powerless fell. In course of time kind heaven Gave them a baby boy, Who filled their hearts with rapture, And thrilled them to new joy, But death soon stole their treasure, Then Leon made his own The Norman nurse then summoned, And Marguerite was alone! Alone on that dread island, In whose accursed soil Her loved ones found unhallowed rest From harrowing care and toil. Still courage never failed her, Though fettered to the sod Where hideous fiends assailed her, To try her faith in God.