Classic Poem

A loiterer by the ocean's azure swell,
Enraptured seized a gem born of the spray,
Scarce half admired, a still more beauteous shell
Hath prompted him to fling the first away.
So oft before, the tides of time had cast
Such charms across my path, I could have sworn
Their witching radiance beauty unsurpassed; —
Sprung from the bright sea-caves, where lurks the morn.
Yet scarce had they my happiness undone,
Ere some new fancy my allegiance won.
Till waved thy scepter and my heart remained
A trembling prisoner by beauty's links unchained.