University of Virginia Library


200

THE SONG OF THE SEA-WIND

King of the winds, O Wind of the Sea,
When thou sweepest abroad thy voice crieth,
Crieth the anguish of living souls
As with the wild storm-rapt soughing of the oaks.
Breath of the world, O bitter breath,
King of the winds, O Wind of the Sea!
King of the winds, O Wind of the Sea,
Hitherward blow, by our doors, through our souls.
Blow, blow, Eurocyldon ... and as dead leaves
Whirl seaward vain hopes and perishing dreams.
Breath of the world, O bitter breath,
King of the winds, O Wind of the Sea!
King of the winds, O Wind of the Sea,
Uplift us, resurge us out with thy waves,
Out on thine infinite heaving breast
Where not a wave breaks but is higher than hope.
Breath of the world, O bitter breath,
King of the winds, O Wind of the sea!

201

King of the winds, O Wind of the Sea,
In the sweep and shadow of mighty wings
Whirl far this Dream that is life, afar
To the Shores of Joy or the Coasts of Night.
Breath of the worlds, O bitter breath,
King of the winds, O Wind of the Sea!
King of the winds, O Wind of the Sea,
Before thee my heart bows, for it may be that God—
Yea, that it is Thee, O God, who passeth by,
Voicing Thy Word to our souls out of infinite space—
Eternal Breath, O bitter-sweet Breath,
Lord of all winds, O Wind of the Sea!