And dip our shallow shells in as at first.
Just where the ripples break to wash the shore,
And catch a tantalizing drop, nor durst
The depth or distance of the wave explore.
Ah, mighty ocean which we sport beside,
One day thy wave will rise and foam, and we,
Lost in its strong, outgoing, refluent tide,
Shall be swept out into the deeper sea,
Shall drink the life of life, and satisfied
Smile at the shore from far eternity.