Flung by the tossing tide on high,

Then levelled with the wave . . .”

Milton in his “Hymn on the Nativity,” thus alludes to the fable of the Halcyon:

“But peaceful was the night

Wherein the Prince of light

His reign of peace upon the earth began;

The winds with wonder whist

Smoothly the waters kist

Whispering new joys to the mild ocean,

Who now hath quite forgot to rave