I forgot to
mention the Ladies’ Baptism ceremony yesterday. This approaches more to the
church of England ceremony as the men’s did to the custom of the people called
Baptists.
Each
candidate was led up to Neptune’s representative and sprayed with a scent spray
from the front and from behind – at the same moment the ships Captain (when no
one of the candidates could suspect such a thing) neatly and deftly slipped a
little lump of ice down their necks! He, looking perfectly innocent and seraphic
when they turned round. It was most beautifully done and caused much amusement.
We have had
a perfect day today as regards weather. Blue sky, blue sea and a lovely cool
breeze. In fact this evening it was too cold to sit in the wind so we sought
the protected side pf the promenade deck to sit down.
Just before
sunset we passed a small Spanish Island - used as a convict settlement: Annobon Island,
- which really consisted of one huge rock. The side towards us was sheer
perpendicular rock towering hundreds of feet almost direct from the sea. The
highest peak of the Island was lost in grey and white edged cloud. The whole
picture was softened by blue haze to which detail was lost, leaving only the gaunt,
rugged outline silhouetted against the sky.
Just to the
right of the Island the sun was setting lighting up the sky with a wonderful
path of glory. And the sun went down and the stars came out and another great
sight revealed itself: Moonlight at sea.
The moon is
two days from the full and nearly overhead. It is quite light enough to see by –
but it is few who would to do that one would think (and yet hardly anyone comes
from the saloon or cabins to see.)
The moon
was a clear as clear can be. Fluffy clouds come over it now and again making
the picture more wonderful. The white foam shows up brilliantly against the
dark sea, but one can just make out that exquisite green edging to the waves –
so clear by day but so softened and delicate by moonlight as to be almost
mysterious.
I watched
for quite a long time on a deserted deck – others tucked into bed: I had to use
a Jaeger rug it was so fresh.
Byron was much
influenced by water –
In his “Stanzas for
Music” he is completely
Under its spell.
The be none of
Beauty’s daughters with a
Magic like to thee,
And like music on the
waters is thy sweet voice
To me.
When, as if its sound
were causing the charmed
Ocean’s pausing,
The waves lie still
and gleaming, and the lull’d
Winds seem dreaming.
And the midnight moon
is weaving her bright
Chain o’er the deep,
Whose breast is gently
heaving as an infant’s
Asleep:
So the spirit bows
before thee to listen and
Adore thee
With a full but soft
emotion like the swell of
Summer ocean.
0 comments:
Post a Comment