Classic Poem

I.

Here in the teeming city lo! I cry
Towards the wide waste of waters: — give to me
Harbour of wind and light whereto to fly,
O Sea!

II.

Let all men know that though the world's harps choose
Full many flower-crowned loves, and bow the knee,
I am thy singer, — whom thy breath renews,
O Sea!

III.

Here in our England I am far apart
From minds of men who know not aught of thee;
I am repaid if but I win thy heart,
O Sea!

IV.

Oh, what are flowers or ferns or blue-waved rills
Or ornate valleys haunted by the bee
Beside thy flowerless gulfs and foam-flecked hills,
O Sea!

V.

Thou art eternal as the human race; —
Ere fair earth heard one lover's passionate plea
Thou and the lonely sun stood face to face,
O Sea!

VI.

Thou sawest pale Cleopatra's galleys ride
Upon the blood-splashed deep; — beheld'st when we,
Conquerors, saw Nelson kiss death's lips for bride,
O Sea!

VII.

At Marathon thou watched'st the fierce hosts
Collide in battle: — far from rose or tree,
Thou communest with the pale stars glimmering ghosts,
O Sea!

VIII.

Hear us! Oh pour upon us thy great might,
And clothe us round with thine eternity,
And set upon our brows thy deathless light,
O Sea!