SEA SPRAY &> SMOKE DRIFT 



Vain is half this care and caution 



O'er the earthly shell, 

 We can neither baffle nor shun 



Dark-plumed Azrael. 

 Onward ! onward ! still we wander, 



Nearer draws the goal ; 

 Half the riddle's read, we ponder 



Vainly on the whole. 



Eastward ! in the pink horizon, 



Fleecy hillocks shame 

 This dim range dull earth that lies on, 



Tinged with rosy flame. 

 Westward ! as a stricken giant 



Stoops his bloody crest. 

 And tho' vanquish'd, frowns defiant, 



Sinks the sun to rest. 

 Distant yet, approaching quickly, 



From the shades that lurk, 

 Like a black pall gathers thickly 



Night, when none may work. 

 Soon our restless occupation 



Shall have ceas'd to be ; 

 Units ! in God's vast creation, 



Ciphers ! what are we ? 



44 



