While, far beneath, the chanting surf sent up its melancholy dirge.
I also gazed—when, where the sea and sky
Blended in mist, a speck—a spot—a nail —
Came with the wind: Ægéus stood erect, convulsed and deathly pale.
Closer and closer, where the shadow lay
Across the distance, like a misty cloud,
The galley came: the mute, expecting king tottered and sobbed aloud.
Stretching his thin hands toward the shadowy bark,
So distant still it seemed to float in air,
The aged monarch, with his marble eyes, personified despair.