III.
And here the crystal spring abides—
Yet passes to the sea,
There to renew the broken task
Of long ago,
Now joyous task and free.
Fair spirit of the bourneless waves,
Glad voice in their sad choir,
Sweeter 'mid sorrow's dirge to blend
The note of cheer,
Than list Apollo's lyre!
The sunbeams kiss the plaining deep,
Wreathe with innumerous smiles
The sounding waters as they meet,—
While sister sprites
Wake laughter round the isles.
And ever as the rolling moon
The unanchored sea forth-swings,
The poet's ear may catch anew
The gladsome notes,
Notes of the crystal springs.
And when he sits this spring beside,
Worn with the journey's strife,
He cannot help but think of HIM
Of Jacob's well,
FOUNT of the deathless life.