The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
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 | The Poetical Works of George Barlow |  |
154
O SEA!
I
Here in the teeming city lo! I cryTowards the wide waste of waters:—give to me
Harbour of wind and light whereto to fly,
O Sea!
II
Let all men know that though the world's harps chooseFull many flower-crowned loves, and bow the knee,
I am thy singer,—whom thy breath renews,
O Sea!
III
Here in our England I am far apartFrom minds of men who know not aught of thee;
I am repaid if but I win thy heart,
O Sea!
155
IV
Oh, what are flowers or ferns or blue-waved rillsOr ornate valleys haunted by the bee
Beside thy flowerless gulfs and foam-flecked hills,
O Sea!
V
Thou art eternal as the human race;—Ere fair earth heard one lover's passionate plea
Thou and the lonely sun stood face to face,
O Sea!
VI
Thou sawest pale Cleopatra's galleys rideUpon the blood-splashed deep;—beheld'st when we,
Conquerors, saw Nelson kiss death's lips for bride,
O Sea!
VII
At Marathon thou watched'st the fierce hostsCollide in battle:—far from rose or tree,
Thou communest with the pale stars' glimmering ghosts,
O Sea!
156
VIII
Hear us! Oh pour upon us thy great might,And clothe us round with thine eternity,
And set upon our brows thy deathless light,
O Sea!
| The Poetical Works of George Barlow | |