The sea’s vast life dashed out against a stone!

Some law this chant seems ever to obey—

Advancing, swells, now sinketh in retreat,

Sad-voiced like life that knoweth but defeat,

Yet still with patient purpose keeps its way.

Joy-burdened silence of the hills, farewell!

And salt sea-wind, thy carven choir reclaim!

Brave sun, set all these dusky trunks aflame!

Lost are our mountains in yon ceaseless swell

That, shoreward rolling, lapsing quietly,