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. 



V. 



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 homeward be 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. 



