A KNIGHT OF 

 NEPTUNE 



I saw him resting midst the leaping foam, 

 As rests an eagle, wearied with his flight. 

 Perchance the ocean wide he called his home ; 

 'The starlight way, his jewelled crown, at night. 



When thunders roared, and flamed the lightnings shaft, 

 It taught alone, a power, like sabre keen 

 In flashings bright ; both gems of highest craft — 

 One, men did make ; one, born of waters green. 



Changeful is he as borealis light, 



A noble fish; in stripings, richly grand, 



In romping play, or eager for the fight, 



Mid billows lashing froth that strews the sand. 



Anon the hidden hook he fiercely strikes, 



Then rage proclaims, while speeding o'er the plain 



Of aqueous blue; then waken all dislikes, 



He, sulking, frets or battle gives again. 



55 



