Our boats glide as well with all loveliness freighted,
And the war-whoop we lose in the sallies of mirth.
Pure Horicon! lake of the cloud and the shadow!
Soft shimmer your moonlight and dimple your rain!
And the hearts far away—if by seaside or meadow—
Still think of your blue with a lingering pain!
Among the far islands that glitter in heaven,—
On the dim, undiscovered, and beautiful shore,—
Some glimpse of a lovelier sea may be given
To the eyes of the perfect,—but never before!