RIDDLES OF MERLIN

As I was walking

Alone by the sea,

“What is that whisper?”

Said Merlin to me.

“Only,” I answered,

“The sigh of the wave” —

“Oh, no,” replied Merlin,

“‘ Tis the grass on your grave.”

As I lay dreaming

In churchyard ground

“Listen,” said Merlin,

“What is that sound?”

“The green grass is growing,”

I answered; but he

Chuckled, “Oh, no!

‘ Tis the sound of the sea.”

As I went homeward

At dusk by the shore,

“What is that crimson?”

Said Merlin once more.

“Only the sun,” I said.

“Sinking to rest” —

“Sunset for East,” he said,

“Sunrise for West.”