University of Virginia Library

AN OCEAN NOTION

Were I old Neptune's son, you'd see
How soon the waves would bow to me;
And how the fish would gather 'round,
And wag their tails with joy profound.
I 'd bid the sea-gulls tidings bring
Of sunny lands where larks do sing;
I 'd roam the icebergs wild, and find
A summer suited to my mind;
Or in the Gulf Stream warm I 'd play
So long as winter chose to stay;
I 'd turn the billows inside out;
Play leap-frog with the water spout;
Swing on the cable, out of sight,
Or leap with dolphins to the light.
All this I 'd do, and more beside,
Were I old Neptune's joy and pride.
His wreathèd horn I 'd lightly blow,
And swing his trident to and fro;
And when I tired of ocean's roar,
I 'd take a little turn on shore.
If Father feared to trust on land
His fine aquatic four-in-hand,
Why, what of that? I 'd laugh and go
Upon a charger sure and slow—
My turtle-steed so fine and grand
Ready for trip on sea or land.
Ah, but I 'd have right lordly fun,
If I were only Neptune's son!