Though foes came gathering round her, Appalling to the view, From upper as from nether worlds, And nearer lurking drew, Of these, grim bears were foremost, Who boldly round her close, But with her gun brave Marguerite Slew three of these fierce foes. Thus, though most gently nurtured, This maiden rose to be A heroine undaunted On the lone isle of the sea, And Leon was a hero, Who risked fame, fortune, life, To be the sworn defender Of helpless maid and wife. Two dreary years of warfare Had passed o'er Marguerite's head, Crowded with deeds heroic, Since she with Leon wed, When, far at sea some whalers Observed a curling smoke Rise from the haunted island, Which fear and wonder woke. Was it the trick of demons To lure them to the shore, And lead them on to ruin, As many had been before? They thought it was, and kept aloof, Then vague surmises made. That some unhappy mortal Might need their timely aid. So, triumphing o'er terror, They warily drew nigh, Descried a female figure Waving her signals high; Clothed in the skins of white bears, So lovely she appeared, That the brave-hearted sailors Most gladly toward her steered. Thus Marguerite was rescued, Through a heaven-directed chance, Restored to home and country In her beloved France. 'Tis said the baffled demons