The sun beneath the wave, like strange dawn shown,
Illumes the unbounded coral forest trees,
Where mix in tepid basins of the seas
The living plants with creatures flower-like blown.

And those that salt's or iodine's tints have known—
Moss, algæ, urchins and anemones—
Cover, with purple, sumptuous traceries,
The madrepore's vermiculated stone.

A monstrous fish, whose iridescence dims
Enamel's sheen, across the branches swims.
In lucid shade he indolently preys;

And, sudden, from his fin of flaming hue
A shiver, through the immobile, crystal-blue,
Of emerald, gold and nacre swiftly plays.