Volume Ii Part 130 (1/2)
A SEA CHILD
The lover of child Marjory Had one white hour of life brim full; Now the old nurse, the rocking sea, Hath him to lull.
The daughter of child Marjory Hath in her veins, to beat and run, The glad indomitable sea, The strong white sun.
Bliss Carmen [1861-1929]
FROM THE HARBOR HILL
”Is it a sail?” she asked.
”No,” I said.
”Only a white sea-gull with its pinions spread.”
”Is it a spar?” she asked.
”No,” said I.
”Only the slender light-house tower against the sky.”
”Flutters a pennant there?”
”No,” I said.
”Only a shred of cloud in the sunset red.”
”Surely a hull, a hull!”
”Where?” I cried.
”Only a rock half-bared by the ebbing tide.”
”Wait you a s.h.i.+p?” I asked.
”Aye!” quoth she.
”The Harbor Belle; her mate comes home to marry me.
”Surely the good s.h.i.+p hath Met no harm?”
Was it the west wind wailed or the babe on her arm?
”The Harbor Belle!” she urged.
Naught said I.-- For I knew o'er the grave o' the Harbor Belle the sea-gulls fly.
Gustav Kobbe [1857-1918]
ALLAN WATER
On the banks of Allan Water, When the sweet spring-time did fall, Was the miller's lovely daughter, Fairest of them all.
For his bride a soldier sought her, And a winning tongue had he, On the banks of Allan Water, None so gay as she.
On the banks of Allan Water, When brown autumn spread his store, There I saw the miller's daughter, But she smiled no more.