Behold it has been given to me

To know the secrets of the sea,—

Its magic and its mystery!

And though, alas, I may not reach

The clear communicable speech

Of men, communing each with each,

I have such wonderment to tell,

Such marvel and such miracle,

I needs must strive to break the spell.

Hence do I murmur ceaselessly;

And could one but translate me, he

Might speak the secrets of the sea!