THE SHEPHERDESS OF THE SEA

Reproach not yet our sails’ delay;

You cannot see the shoaling bay,

The banks of sand, the fretful bars,

That ebb left naked to the stars.

The sea's white shepherdess, the moon,

Shall lead us into harbour soon.

Dear, when you see her glory shine

Between your fragrant boughs of pine,

Know there is but one hour to wait

Before her hands unlock the gate,

And the full flood of singing foam

Follow her lovely footsteps home.

Then waves like flocks of silver sheep

Come rustling inland from the deep,

And into rambling valleys press

Behind their heavenly shepherdess.

You cannot see them? Lift your eyes

And see their mistress in the skies.

She rises with her silver bow.

I feel the tide begin to flow;

And every thought and hope and dream

Follow her call, and homeward stream.

Borne on the universal tide,

The wanderer hastens to his bride.

The sea's white shepherdess, the moon,

Shall lead him into harbour, soon.