Python-like compiled language

[Alexander Lawhead]

This may seem like an odd question, but what is the most Python-like
compiled language? I'm a new programmer and have been learning on Python.
I'm trying to build some command-line driven programs to do some image
processing and am trying to find a Python-like compiled language that
would be faster than Python+NumPy. Ideally I guess I should learn C and
combine Python + C extensions. For the moment, I'd like to start on a new
compiled language, preferably one that's oriented towards math/science
(hopefully with built-in or standard matrix libraries). I've fallen in
love with Python+NumPy's matrix capabilities and am far more interested in
a language that comes close in this regard. Object oriented capability is
not necessary.

So far, I've been pointed to F, a subset of Fortran 90. Is there anything
else out there? Wide usage is not necessary, but free availability under
Linux or WinXX is!

Thanks,

Alexander