Classic Poem

Where the wind attacks the downs,
Where the fort Tregantle frowns
Over cliffs that curb the ocean in its glee;
Where the gorse and heather quicken
To a blaze above the lichen,
What a vision took the splendour out of down and distant lea!

For with comely, capless head,
With a light, elastic tread
Came a trooper of some summers twenty-three;
With his jacket all unlaced,
And his belt about his waist,
And a ruddy golden colour from his bathing in the sea.

Though we went our different ways,
And through all the coming days
We shall never meet again upon the lea,
Yet he seemed the sum and glory
Of the whole world's ancient story,
And I thanked the God that made him and the land and sea and me.