I 



93 

 THE NEUHA'S RETURN. 



A watcher, from the grey tower, marks 



A white sail's shining way. 

 The Neuha, like a sea-nymph, glides 



Swift o'er the wreathing spray. 



One lonely ship upon the sea ! 



Nought else, but wave and sky, 

 Around that ocean-girded isle, 



Arrests the gazing eye. 



No shading cloud is spread in Heaven, 



But streams of glowing light 

 Pour down, as if intent to glad 



The Neuha's homeward flight. 



A light wind from the deep hath sped 



Its soft, fair wing to urge — 

 With speedier way — her airy track 



Along the quivering surge. 



How gracefully I how gracefully, 

 She nears the well known isle : 



Exulting foam-drops gem her prow, 

 The yielding waters smile. 



Quick coiling wavelets round her side 



Make music's silver tone, 

 And murmuring strains of soothing sound 



Float o'er her sea-path lone. 



A voice hath passed that fair isle's round : 



For it was meet to tell 

 The tidings of their lord's return 



To those who loved him well. 



Some joyous groups along the shore 



Await the nearing sail — 

 And many a lip can scarce restrain 



The glad heart's cheering hail. 



Still at his post the watcher waits, 



And one is lingering near — 

 With look bent on him. In her gaze 



Are joy and hope and fear. 



