Classic Poem

Within an open curled Sea of Gold
 A Bark of Ivory , one day, I saw,
Which striking with his Oars did seem to draw
Tow'rds a fair Coast , which I then did behold.

A Lady held the Stern, while her white hand
 Whiter then either Ivory or Sail ,
 Over the surging Waves did so prevail,
That she had now approached near the Land .

When suddenly, as if she fear'd some wrack,
 And yet the Sky was fair, and Air was clear,
 And neither Rock , nor Monster did appear,
Doubting the Point, which spi'd, she turned back.

Then with a Second course I saw her steer
 As if she meant to reach some other Bay,
 Where being approach'd she likewise turn'd away,
Though in the Bark some Waves now entred were.

Thus varying oft her course, at last I found,
 While I in quest of the Adventure go,
 The Sail took down, and Oars had ceas'd to row,
And that the Bark it self was run aground.

Wherewith Earths fairest Creature I beheld,
 For which both Bark and Sea I gladly lost .
 Let no Philosopher of Knowledge boast,
Unless that he my Vision can unfold.