Classic Poem

When in the sweet childhood that's gone
I stood by the side of the main,
At every new wave that roll'd on,
I wonder'd again and again.

As I gather'd the shells on its shore,
As I gaz'd on the vessels at sea,
The mystery grew more and more,
And could not interpreted be.

The thoughts which my childhood beguil'd,
Were an emblem, I well can see how;—
As I thought of the sea when a child,
So I think of eternity now.

I stand by the side of its sea;
I gather the shells on its shore;
But its depths are mysterious to me
As the depths of the ocean of yore.

Every hour that rolls on its way
Brings enigmas which reason transcend;
And the best of all homage to pay,
Is to wonder on still to the end.

Then the sea from its depth shall go fleeing;
All bare shall eternity be;
And they who now wonder, not seeing,
Shall wonder the more when they see!