In clouds of molted brilliance, very bright!

And on the waste of waters floated light.⁠—

In truth, ’twas strange to see that merry bark

Skimming the silver ocean, like a shark

At play amid the beautiful sea-green,

And all so sadly desolate within.

And hours flew after hours, a weary length,

Until the sunlight, in meridian strength,

Threw burning floods upon the wasted brow

Of that sea-hermit mariner; and now