Classic Poem

I

Hast seen the blue wave sleeping, sleeping,
 By gentle winds caressed?
Hast seen the far moon ceaseless keeping
 Her watch above its rest?

Hast seen the pale moths drift together
 With wingèd seeds wind-sown?
Hast seen the falling of gull's feather,
 Or leaf from wild rose blown?

Hast seen the white wave dancing, dancing,
 With wondrous witchery,
Like hers who rose, men's hearts entrancing,
 From out the sun-bright sea?

Lighter than wave, or leaf, or pinion,
 Than circling moth more fleet,
Than goddess mightier of dominion,
 The charm of rhythmic feet.

II

O day thou art so weary long!
 O night so maddening brief!
Swift moments for life's feast and song,
 Slow hours for life's grief.

A thousand pearls the lavish sea
 Rolls up to fill my hands;
The ebb-tide leaves but shells to me
 Empty upon the sands.