To the end of the trail / Richard Hovey [electronic text]

TO SWINBURNE
II

OFT, too, I see thee on the rocky shore, Worshiping all the infinitely strong Grand godhead that to ocean doth belong, Or prostrate with uncovered head before The sun, whom even Ocean doth adore, Who giveth speech to every poet's tongue, Who is the only king and god of song, From whom all bards receive their secret lore. For thou art brother of the elements; There is a spirit of kinship that compels Thy feet to stray in paths where nothing dwells Save the triune power that knows nor death nor birth But sways all nature in omnipotence — Sea, wind and sun, the gods who rule the earth.