ON MEETING A SAILING VESSEL IN MID-OCEAN.
SHE moves on grandly 'twixt the sea and sky, Like some gigantic bird from foreign shore; Gray mist behind her and gray mist before, Riding upon the waters royally. Salt winds caress her, as they urge her by, And we who watch shall see her nevermore; For on she goes, to where the breakers roar Round some far coast we never may descry.
So on Life's tide we meet an unknown soul, And catch a passing vision of its grace; Just seen, then vanished, leaving us to yearn With vain desire to follow to its goal The revelation of the radiant face— Then heartsick to our solitude we turn.