The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-11-22
Sampsonia

At that time it came to pass that the
people of certain islands were scourged
even with scorpions.
And their travail was great, indeed
and their lamentations.
And it came to pass that the people
of a neighboring nation were moved at
the sufferings they had seen.
And many Of the which shed tears of
pity.
And they begged their elders and
l~aw-givers to speak with their ruler
that he might free those people from
the scorpions.
But this ruler, being a man Of peace,
was loath to engage his people in strife.
For he wished not for the shedding
Of mems blood.
And SO he held the multitude in check
for a time.
But at length their murmur became
SO great that he was constrained to
yield to their opportunities.
And this was a good man and yir-
tuous; and he has since gone to his
reward.
And now the range of conflict wa.
imminent.
Both on the earth and on the waters
thereof.
And Of those whose strife belonged to
h sea n was called Sampson.
But, behold! as the day Of battle ap-
preached he got his hair cut,
Whereupon his strength n courage
fled him, even as in the days Of his gi-
gantic ancestor of far OF times.
Therefore seeing in the ofing q
friendly shelter. he caused his craft &c
be steered behind the same.
And this place Of security was called
the horizon;
But Of the nature Of which many mer
have divers views.
For some say that it is a great bar.
rier, and made Of iron.
And another some hold that 1t is fash
Toned out Of air and water, being tn,
slope thereof.
For these people opine that this grea
world is even as a ball, and does no
extend so far as the place called for
ever and-ever.
But howsoever be these things, the,
all agreed that this sea-giant vent be
hind this thing yclept horizon.
And there he rested after his sham
poo.
For in those days a whole skin was il
favour.
And he whom they called Schley wa
left to await the coming OF the enemy
And he watched and waited, even as
cat watches a mouse-hole.
But 1t is not recorded that he praye
And while they were there one whor
tllCy hdlIto I1OoSoi Z lCo d itIoS
daring act, carrying his life ever in hi
hand tho both were inclosed In a coal
boat
Nevertheless it came to pass that on
fine morning. being the Sabbath day
but not a day Of rest in hat place
the ships of the enemy hove in view
And they showed fight.
But those also that were ruled by hir
called Schley were marshaled togethe
with much strength.
And he who led them was game. as
IL sometimes called.
And seeing the enemy come near. h
said in a loude voice: Let's go 70
them!
Whereupon his men threw their head
gear in the air. V e to a very grea
altitude.
And they shouted with a great shout
And the roar Of battle now com
menced.
And behold cloud. Of smoke from tn
which went up on all sides.
Then shells screamed in the air.
And they breake the heads OF SOM
and the limbs Of another some.
Whereupon many lodged and ducke
their heads with terror.
But Schley, being built with a Still
neck, refused to bow his e
And instead he uttered words whic
were called strong.
And his bullets DID an ne desired o
them.
And 10, thu ships OF the enemy wer
gored. even as a colander.
And they went ashore, for many wer
on IRE.
whereupon their warriors who ha'
not been felled in battle were take!
prisoners
And thus IL came to pass hat
great victory was achieved by him call
Schley and his DULLES
But by his time the toilet Of Samp
son was complete.
And seeing hat the noise had quiet
ed. he came forth from his intrench
ment-that IL to say. from the off sid
Of the horizon
And he stood aloft and looked fine
Then. having cleared his throat 70
action. he cried aloud. we have wo
q glorious victory!"
An schIey replied: 1--WE have. sir"
But after these things. and when til