Long had I watched, and, summoned by the ray From those small window-lights, that dipt and bowed Down to the glimpsing waters, made my way On deck, while the sun rose without a cloud; The brazen plates upon the steerage-wheel Flashed forth; the steersman's face came full in view; Found at his post, he met the bright appeal Of morning-tide, and answered 'I am true!' Then back again into my berth I crept, And lay awhile, at gaze, with upward eye, Where gleams and shadows from the ocean swept, And flickered wildly o'er the dreaming fly, That clung to the low ceiling. Then I slept And woke, and sought once more the sea and sky. |