A SUMMER DAY.
49
Stealing along the coast from cape to cape
The weird mirage crept tremulously on,
In many a magic change and wondrous shape,
Throbbing beneath the sun.
The weird mirage crept tremulously on,
In many a magic change and wondrous shape,
Throbbing beneath the sun.
At noon the wind rose, swept the glassy sea
To sudden ripple, thrust against the clouds
A strenuous shoulder, gathering steadily
Drove them before in crowds;
To sudden ripple, thrust against the clouds
A strenuous shoulder, gathering steadily
Drove them before in crowds;
Till all the west was dark, and inky black
The level-ruffled water underneath,
And up the wind cloud tossed,—a ghostly rack,
In many a ragged wreath.
The level-ruffled water underneath,
And up the wind cloud tossed,—a ghostly rack,
In many a ragged wreath.
Then sudden roared the thunder, a great peal
Magnificent, that broke and rolled away;
And down the wind plunged, like a furious keel,
Cleaving the sea to spray;
Magnificent, that broke and rolled away;
And down the wind plunged, like a furious keel,
Cleaving the sea to spray;
And brought the rain sweeping o'er land and sea.
And then was tumult! Lightning sharp and keen,
Thunder, wind, rain,—a mighty jubilee
The heaven and earth between!
And then was tumult! Lightning sharp and keen,
Thunder, wind, rain,—a mighty jubilee
The heaven and earth between!
