I love thee, dark blue sea! When sleeping tranquilly, When winds blow shrill, And foaming surges rise, That seem to dare the skies— I love thee still! And when the morning sleeps Upon thy silent deeps, I love the hour! Or when the star of night Bathes thee in silver light, I own thy power. I love thy golden strand, When on the shell-strewn sand Thy billows break; When, soft as infant's sleep, Thy gentle ripplings creep, Nor echo wake. And when thy thunders roar, And lash the trembling shore, Deep, foaming, strong, And high thy breakers roll, I feel thee stir my soul, And love thy song! Yes, thou art dear to me, Thou ever-flowing sea! Where'er thy waters roll; In every varied mood, Or mild, or gay, or rude, From pole to pole! Philadelphia, August 28, 1837. |