XIII.
The storm for a dance is piping,
With bellow and roar and hiss.
Hurrah! how the ship is tossing,
What a merry wild night is this!
A living mountain of water
The sea upheaves with might.
Here an abyss is yawning;
There towers a foaming height.
And sounds of retching and curses
Forth from the cabin come;
And I, to the mast close clinging,
Long to be safe at home.
XIV.
The evening shades are falling,
The sea-fog spreads with night.
Mysterious waters are calling,
There rises something white.
The mermaid comes from the ocean,
Beside me sitting down;
Her white breast's breathing motion,
I see through the gossamer gown.
And she doth clasp and hold me,
In passionate, painful way.
Too close thou dost enfold me,
Thou lovely water fay!
"Within mine arms I hide thee,
With all my strength enfold,
I warm myself beside thee,
The night is far too cold."