And like the pinions of a swan was spread each swelling sail;
But ere again uprose the sun, rose many a shriek and wail;
Ere morn the gallant ship was gone—vanished the snowy sail!”
The ship rode far upon the silent main; ’twas night,
A beautiful, still night; no moon was there,
But the bright stars were hanging overhead
In golden clusters; and the breathless sea
Gave them all back; while the tall vessel seemed
A fairy home, suspended ’twixt two heavens.
And there were happy hearts within her then;