Songs of the Springtides and Birthday OdeTaken from The Collected Poetical Works of Algernon CharlesSwinburne—Vol. III
Looked laughing toward him from her midsea throne,

Up toward him there ashore.

Thence in his heart the great same joy began,

Of child that made him man:

And turned again from all hearts else on quest,

He communed with his own heart, and had rest.

And like sea-winds upon loud waters ran

His days and dreams together, till the joy

Burned in him of the boy.

[Pg 309]

Till the earth's great comfort and the sweet sea's breath

Breathed and blew life in where was heartless death,

Death spirit-stricken of soul-sick days, where strife

Of thought and flesh made mock of death and life.

And grace returned upon him of his birth

Where heaven was mixed with heavenlike sea and earth;

And song shot forth strong wings that took the sun

From inward, fledged with might of sorrow and mirth

And father's fire made mortal in his son.

Nor was not spirit of strength in blast and breeze


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