the mermaids.
129
Thou shalt seek 'neath the bounding main
With the daughters of ocean to dwell!
With the daughters of ocean to dwell!
CHILD.
I fear to meet the wild white crests
Of waves that kiss shore's sandy rim;
And the waste of tumbling waters,
That break on ocean's varying brim.
Of waves that kiss shore's sandy rim;
And the waste of tumbling waters,
That break on ocean's varying brim.
SECOND MERMAID.
Reach forth thy hand, my little one;
Behold this string so rich and rare,
They are bright pearls, since yester morn,
Our coral grot for thee didst bear!
Behold this string so rich and rare,
They are bright pearls, since yester morn,
Our coral grot for thee didst bear!
CHILD.
Your pearls are bright, and thy voices sweet,
So gently kind, and softly mild;
Come to the shore that ye may greet
The proud and wayward daring child!
So gently kind, and softly mild;
Come to the shore that ye may greet
The proud and wayward daring child!
THIRD MERMAID.
I come, fair child of sunny land,
With offerings of pearls and shell;
Oh! wilt thou love the weedy shore
Better than 'neath the deep to dwell?
With offerings of pearls and shell;
Oh! wilt thou love the weedy shore
Better than 'neath the deep to dwell?
