The White Ship

by James Baldwin

　　

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King Henry, the Handsome Scholar, had one son, named William, whom hedearly loved. The young man was noble and brave, and every-body hopedthat he would some day be the King of England.One summer Prince William went with his father across the sea to lookafter their lands in France. They were wel-comed with joy by alltheir people there, and the young prince was so gallant and kind, thathe won the love of all who saw him.But at last the time came for them to go back to England. The king,with his wise men and brave knights, set sail early in the day; butPrince William with his younger friends waited a little while. Theyhad had so joyous a time in France that they were in no great haste totear them-selves away.Then they went on board of the ship which was waiting to carry themhome. It was a beau-ti-ful ship with white sails and white masts, andit had been fitted up on purpose for this voyage.The sea was smooth, the winds were fair, and no one thought of danger.On the ship, every-thing had been ar-ranged to make the trip apleasant one. There was music and dancing, and everybody was merry andglad.The sun had gone down before the white-winged vessel was fairly out ofthe bay. But what of that? The moon was at its full, and it would givelight enough; and before the dawn of the morrow, the narrow sea wouldbe crossed. And so the prince, and the young people who were with him,gave themselves up to mer-ri-ment and feasting and joy.The ear-li-er hours of the night passed by; and then there was a cryof alarm on deck. A moment after-ward there was a great crash. Theship had struck upon a rock. The water rushed in. She was sinking. Ah,where now were those who had lately been so heart-free and glad?Every heart was full of fear. No one knew what to do. A small boat wasquickly launched, and the prince with a few of his bravest friendsleaped into it. They pushed off just as the ship was be-gin-ning tosettle beneath the waves. Would they be saved?They had rowed hardly ten yards from the ship, when there was a cryfrom among those that were left behind."Row back!" cried the prince. "It is my little sister. She must besaved!"The men did not dare to disobey. The boat was again brought along-sideof the sinking vessel. The prince stood up, and held out his arms forhis sister. At that moment the ship gave a great lurch forward intothe waves. One shriek of terror was heard, and then all was still savethe sound of the moaning waters.Ship and boat, prince and prin-cess, and all the gay com-pa-ny thathad set sail from France, went down to the bottom together. One manclung to a floating plank, and was saved the next day. He was the onlyperson left alive to tell the sad story.When King Henry heard of the death of his son his grief was more thanhe could bear. His heart was broken. He had no more joy in life; andmen say that no one ever saw him smile again.Here is a poem about him that your teacher may read to you, andperhaps, after a while, you may learn it by heart.HE NEVER SMILED AGAIN. The bark that held the prince went down, The sweeping waves rolled on; And what was England's glorious crown To him that wept a son? He lived, for life may long be borne Ere sorrow breaks its chain: Why comes not death to those who mourn? He never smiled again. There stood proud forms before his throne, The stately and the brave; But who could fill the place of one,-- That one beneath the wave? Before him passed the young and fair, In pleasure's reckless train; But seas dashed o'er his son's bright hair-- He never smiled again. He sat where festal bowls went round; He heard the minstrel sing; He saw the tour-ney's victor crowned Amid the knightly ring. A murmur of the restless deep Was blent with every strain, A voice of winds that would not sleep-- He never smiled again. Hearts, in that time, closed o'er the trace Of vows once fondly poured, And strangers took the kins-man's place At many a joyous board; Graves which true love had bathed with tears Were left to heaven's bright rain; Fresh hopes were born for other years-- _He_ never smiled again!MRS. HEMANS.

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