Now rush thy waves, with frenzy wild, in foam of dazzling white,
Now, placidly they sweep along, with ever-changeful light.
O, wondrous Power! O, giant Strength! how fearful to behold,
Outstretched on yon o’erhanging crag, thy mad waves downward rolled:
To look adown the cavernous abyss that yawns beneath—
To see the feathery spray flash forth in many a glittering wreath!
Voluminous and ceaseless still, forever swift descend
The waters in their headlong course, then turning, heavenward wend:
Now, disenthralled, their essence hath its spirit-shape resumed;
Bright, bodiless and pure, its fright to yon empyrean plumed!