SOME TIME.

O strong and terrible Ocean, O grand and glorious Ocean, O restless, stormy Ocean, a million fathoms o'er! When never an eye was near thee to view thy turbulent glory, When never an ear to hear thee relate thy endless story, What didst thou then, O Ocean? Didst toss thy foam in air, With never a bark to fear thee, and never a soul to dare? "Oh, I was the self-same Ocean, The same majestic Ocean, The strong and terrible Ocean, with rock-embattled shore; I threw my fleecy blanket up over my shoulders bare, I raised my head in triumph, and tossed my grizzled hair; For I knew that some time—some time— White-robed ships would venture from out of the placid bay, Forth to my heaving bosom, my lawful pride or prey; I knew that some time—some time— Lordly men and maidens my servile guests would be, And hearts of sternest courage would falter and bend to me."

O deep and solemn Forest, O sadly whispering Forest, O lonely moaning Forest, that murmureth evermore! When never a footstep wandered across thy sheltered meadows, When never a wild bird squandered his music mid thy shadows, What didst thou then, O Forest? Didst robe thyself in green, And pride thyself in beauty the while to be unseen? "Oh, I was the self-same Forest, The same low-whispering Forest, The softly murmuring Forest, and all of my beauties wore. I dressed myself in splendor all through the lonely hours; I twined the vines around me, and covered my lap with flowers; For I knew that some time—some time— Birds of beautiful plumage would flit and nestle here; Songs of marvelous sweetness would charm my listening ear; I knew that some time—some time— Lovers would gayly wander neath my protecting boughs, And into the ear of my silence would whisper holy vows." O fair and beautiful Maiden, O pure and winsome Maiden, O grand and peerless Maiden, created to adore! When no love came to woo thee that won thy own love-treasure, When never a heart came to thee thy own heart-wealth could measure, What didst thou then, Maiden? Didst smile as thou smilest now, With ne'er the kiss of a lover upon thy snow-white brow? "Oh, I was the self-same Maiden, The simple and trusting Maiden, The happy and careless Maiden, with all of my love in store. I gayly twined my tresses, and cheerfully went my way; I took no thought of the morrow, and cared for the cares of the day; For I knew that some time—some time— Into the path of my being the Love of my life would glide, And we by the gates of heaven would wander side by side."