Classic Poem

The great sea's infinite repose
Is even as when white Venus rose
Love-glancing;
Ah! is not this her shape that glows
Advancing?

'Tis we have changed: the pure sweet sea,
Venus, alone is worthy thee;
Its splendour
Expects thy coming with soft glee
Most tender!

The seas of Greece were not more fair
Than this which shines in August air
Before me:
The deep sky stretches blue and rare
High o'er me.

'Tis we have changed: the sea to-day
Is thine as ever in this bay
Sun-gladdened;
And still thy white limbs mock the spray,
Unsaddened!