6 AUGUST 1892, Page 17

POETRY.

THE SEA-SONG.

THERE is no song unto the sea unknown.

With wild dance-melodies and laughter low, Its happy ripples frolic to and fro ; With passionate love-lays breathed in undertone, It woos the quiet night ; with wailing moan, It sobs to clouded skies its tale of woe ; With triumph-song as o'er some vanquished foe, It passes on with foamy locks wind-blown.

And dirges to the dying ear it brings, And requiems chanted soft of waves that weep, And strange dead-marches, as with muffled drums, It beats on lonely shores ; and when night comes, A tender, crooning lullaby it sings, Rocking its own unto eternal sleep.

M. C. GILLINGTON.