Classic Poem

I know a little island
Set in the summer sea,
Wave-washed and green and mossy
As green can be.

Great joys are in the offing;
And always day and night,
Putting into the harbor,
—Is some delight.

Around it sail great sorrows;
So far it is from care
That only fleets of laughter
May anchor there.

And only strong fair faces
Pass always to and fro;
As in a place enchanted
They come and go.

Once came a green sea-serpent,
The island people say,
And in their warmth of welcome
Basked for a day:

Basked—and with venom sweetened,
Fled from that holy ground,
Dyeing the seas with envy
For miles around:

With envy of the people
Who cherish lovely things,
Such as in eld were cherished
By queens and kings.

Stay, little island, anchored
Far in the summer sea,
Wave-washed and green and mossy
As green can be!