136 GLAUCUS; OR, 



Crimson and azure and emerald, were broken in star-showers, 



lighting 

 Far in the wine-dark depths of the crystal, the gardens of Nereus, 

 Coral and sea-fan and tangle, the blooms and the palms of the 



ocean. 

 So they went on in their joy, more white than the foam which they 



scattered. 

 Laughing and singing and tossing and twining, while eager, the 



Tritons 

 Blinded with kisses their eyes, unreproved, and above them in 



worship 

 Fluttered the terns, and the sea-gulls swept past them on sUvery 



pinions, 

 Echoing softly their laughter; around them the wantoning 



dolphins 

 Sighed as they plunged, full of love; and the great sea-horses 



which bore them 

 Curved up their crests in their pride to the delicate arms of their 



riders, 

 Pawing the spray into gems, till a fiery rainfall, unharming, 

 Sparkled and gleamed on the limbs of the maids, and the coils of 



the mermen. 

 So they went on in their joy, bathed round with the fiery coolness, 

 Needing nor sun nor moon, self-lighted, immortal: but others 

 Pitiful, floated in silence apart ; on their knees lay the sea-boys 

 Whelmed by the roll of the surge, swept down by the anger of 



Nereus ; 

 Hapless, whom never again upon quay or strand shall their 



mothers 

 Welcome with garlands and vows to the temples ; but wearily 



pining. 

 Gaze over island and main for the sails which return not; they 



heedless 



