Classic Poem

I.

A MAIDEN came gliding o'er the sea,
In a boat as light as boat could be,
And she sang in tones so sweet and free,
“O! where is the youth that will follow me?”

II.

Her forehead was white as the pearly shell,
And in flickering waves her ringlets fell,
Her bosom heaved with a gentle swell,
And her voice was a distant vesper bell.

III.

And still she sang while the western light
Fell on her figure so soft and bright,
“O! where shall I find the brave young sprite
That will follow the track of my skiff to-night?”

IV.

To the strand the youths of the village run,
When the witching song has scarce begun,
And ere the set of that evening sun,
Fifteen bold lovers the maid has won.

V.

They hoisted the sail, and they plied the oar,
And away they went from their native shore,
While the damsel's pinnace flew fast before,
But never, O! never we saw them more.