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the mermaids.
To tread the ocean, ride the billows,
When sweeping on their reckless course.
Who can trammel the mighty main?
Or e'en bridle its curbless will?
Fair child of earth it shall be thine—
Thy cup of joy with mirth will fill.
When sweeping on their reckless course.
Who can trammel the mighty main?
Or e'en bridle its curbless will?
Fair child of earth it shall be thine—
Thy cup of joy with mirth will fill.
CHILD.
Children of the wide main, I come
To rest within thy lonely bowers;
Fain would F fill each eager hand
With old ocean's bright living flowers!
To rest within thy lonely bowers;
Fain would F fill each eager hand
With old ocean's bright living flowers!
FIRST GENII.
Farewell to ye, fair child of earth!
The mountain, and the forest dells;
A welcome wild the mermaids sing
To greet thee mid their coral cells.
The mountain, and the forest dells;
A welcome wild the mermaids sing
To greet thee mid their coral cells.
SECOND GENII.
And bounding o'er the moonlight main,
Will mortals see thee from the shore;
But human hands, in joy or pain,
Thou shalt, alas! press never more!
Will mortals see thee from the shore;
But human hands, in joy or pain,
Thou shalt, alas! press never more!
