And when return world-wandering feet,
Elate, or slow with sorrow,
Thy pencil paints the changing form;
And here clasp hands
The yester year and morrow.
O bright reincarnation, thou!
Though long thy heart, like fire,
Burned to mount upward and away
To sun and sky,
A dream and a desire,
Here, here thy place and service too,—
'Tis heaven by thee to sup,
To see the great red sun drop down,
The stars swim out,—
O Nature's loving cup!
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.