Of sun-browned insects, and the breezes blew

To my drowsed sense the scent the blossoms had;

The subtle sweetness stayed, and I was glad.

Nor passed the gladness. Though the years have gone

(A many years, Beloved, since that day,)

Whenever by the roadside or away

In radiant summer fields, wandering alone

Or with glad children, to my restless sight

Shows that pale head, comes back the old delight.

Oh! the dark water, and the filling sail!

[Pg 68]

The scudding like a sea-mew, with the hand

Firm on the tiller! See, the red-shored land

Receding, as we brave the hastening gale!

White gleam the wave-tops, and the breakers' roar

Sounds thunderingly on the far distant shore.

This mad hair flying in the breeze blows wild

Across my face. See, there, the gathering squall,

That dark line to the eastward, watch it crawl

Stealthily towards us o'er the snow-wreaths piled

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