At day-break, on the bleak sea-beach A fisherman stood aghast, To see the form of a maiden fair Lashed close to a drifting mast.
The salt sea was frozen on her breast, The salt tears in her eyes; And he saw her hair like the brown sea-weed On the billows fall and rise.
Such was the wreck of the Hesperus, In the midnight and the snow! Christ save us all from a death like this, On the reef of Norman's Woe!
The noon was shady, and soft airs Swept Ouse's silent tide, When, 'scaped from literary cares, I wander'd on his side.
My spaniel, prettiest of his race, And high in pedigree,-- (Two nymphs adorn'd with every grace That spaniel found for me,)
Now wanton'd lost in flags and reeds, Now, starting into sight, Pursued the swallow o'er the meads With scarce a slower flight.
It was the time when Ouse display'd His lilies newly blown; Their beauties I intent survey'd, And one I wish'd my own.
With cane extended far I sought To steer it close to land; But still the prize, though nearly caught, Escaped my eager hand.
_Beau_ mark'd my unsuccessful pains With fix'd considerate face, And puzzling set his puppy brains To comprehend the case.
But with a cherup clear and strong Dispersing all his dream, I thence withdrew, and follow'd long The windings of the stream.
My ramble ended, I return'd; _Beau_, trotting far before, The floating wreath again discern'd, And plunging left the shore.
I saw him with that lily cropp'd Impatient swim to meet My quick approach, and soon he dropp'd The treasure at my feet.
Charm'd with the sight, 'The world,' I cried, Shall hear of this thy deed; My dog shall mortify the pride Of man's superior breed;
'But chief myself I will enjoin, Awake at duty's call, To show a love as prompt as thine To Him who gives me all.'
Loving friend, the gift of one, Who her own true faith hath run Through thy lower nature; Be my benediction said With my hand upon thy head, Gentle fellow-creature!
Like a lady's ringlets brown, Flow thy silken ears adown Either side demurely, Of thy silver-suited breast Shining out from all the rest Of thy body purely.
Darkly brown thy body is, Till the sunshine, striking this, Alchemise its dulness,-- When the sleek curls manifold Flash all over into gold, With a burnished fulness.