Classic Poem

Claia . Ho! ferryman, a ferry,
To overcome the tide.
The freight is light and merry,
And oh, the world is wide!

Mertilla Claia , didst aye see any
So pensive in his course?
Come — give us for our penny
Enlivening discourse.

Corbilus . Ah, nymphs, I traversed lately
So delicate a fare!
Venerable and stately,
And so exceeding fair.

I ply the river Jordan
My ferry business, where
Is never stone to ford on,
And many passers fare.

The sinking sun marked seven,
When broke upon my eye
As twere the Queen of Heaven
Emmantled with the sky.

And in her hands she carried
A Babe of feeble girth,
As if a light had tarried
To dawn, the Sun of earth.

And by her side a father
Looked kindly in his hood
Drawn closely down; or rather
As twere a prophet, stood.

And with the party humbly
There walked a snow-white ass;
And, by his whinnying, dumbly
He begged me let them pass

So call me fond and stupid,
But judge of my surprise
Who thought He had been Cupid
To find the Boy had eyes.

And she had eyes of mercy,
Which is a melting hue,
Hence those that look on hers see
The bluest heavenly blue.

Then let me still be pensive;
(But here we reach the shore)
For I am apprehensive,
Who may not see them more.

Claia . So thank you for your story,
Good boatman Corbilus ;
If we behold their glory,
It will be well with us