THE RUNAWATS 



SUMMONS 



When the reign of the Ice-King is broken. 



And the sea less noisily sings, 



And breezes of balmier odor 



Wave over the land soft wings, 



Then the truant trout trip homeward 



To the streams that gave them birth ; 



But a mermaid's whim has changed them 



Into beings less of earth. 



For the shadings, rich with many a gleam. 



They have caught from the mermaid's hand. 



And her smile s bright beam now make them seem 



Visions from rainbow-land. 



Their skins have a glossier silver. 

 And their fins are flecked with fire. 

 When they leave the warring ocean; 

 And full of a sweet desire. 

 As if for a mother s petting. 

 Return to their native home. 

 The brook with its lulling music. 

 And its mantles of softer foam. 

 O I the sea hath a mighty spell, V is clear. 

 But the tiny brook must be 

 A world more dear ; since every year. 

 Spring wins them back from the sea. 

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