University of Virginia Library


163

BREAKERS THREE.

The bells are chiming loud to-night,
A sight they suggest to me
Of a foam-flecked ocean surface white,
A passionate heaving sea,
And a boat with wings to flee
The following waters' glee
To the harbour beacon bright;
Or, a wood with one beside,
Dear, very dear to me,
In a leafy, laughing, deep green tide
The boughs and twigs of a tree
Wave over us graciously
As I upon bended knee
Beseech her to be my bride;

164

Or, a sandy desolate shore
With pale grey thistles to me
Face turning evermore,
Low green cliffs on our lee,
And a heart that seems to be
As heavy as breakers three
That follow and burst and roar.