Classic Poem

Science! the smithy of the sea! —
That bent an eel's perfect glide,
That shaded fennels Yarrow wide,
Swallowed pearls that marbled the checkered Dee! —
Who poured the phantom in love's comely phase
And chased huge heavens within ask of thought,
Thus saved the human helpless outlook tide.
The ship's course its fate will decide,
Whether its safety — that of power hold! —
In dreams of marines, legend base
That I in all wonderment doth hide;
But e'er thy unfolded, systemed way
Of long, long ago hath begun and lured
Nature to thy heart in patient wounded spirit's clay.