The bark the thoughtless Alfer quit,
And with their partners haste to land.[95]
They sat by pairs upon the rock:
Each Alf a gallant warrior proved;
The Mermaids like true females loved,
Unshrinking from the amorous shock:
There was no lack of pinching, flouncing,
Of kisses, and embraces warm:
The sound was that of sea-birds pouncing
Amidst a silv’ry herring-swarm.