THE SONG OF THE SEA-BIRD. 167 



IV. 



Then off o'er the ocean, 

 Where wildest commotion 



Is changing its surface from plains into hills, 

 The sea-bird goes proudly, 

 And calls his mate loudly, 



To follow him flying wherever he wills. 



To these comes another. 



Who calls for his brother, 

 And soon a long line of swift sea-birds is seen. 



Which falls, and then rises, 



With many surprises, 

 Like the fabled sea-serpent, the broad waves between. 



VI. 



By darting and diving, 



And artful contriving. 

 With the richest of sea-food the whole flock is fed ; 



Then away to the nesting. 



And back to the resting ; 

 For it 's well that brave fishers should homew^ardbe led. 



VII. 



So free is our motion 



O'er earth, air, and ocean. 

 That we range where we will, and feel never a fear. 



Whate'er be the weather. 



It can harm not a feather ; 

 So, my happy companions, I give you good cheer. 



