XLII. As when the crew, hard by some jutty cape, And let their bark go driving on the shore; XLIII. For he hath all forgot the swimmer's art, XLIV. Lo! how she startles at the warning shock, More like his safe smooth harbour than his rock; He cannot loose him from his grappling foe, XLV. His eyes are blinded with the sleety brine, But foamy waves choke up his struggling voice; And Hero's name dies bubbling on his lips. XLVI. Look how a man is lower'd to his grave; A yearning hollow in the green earth's lap; The plunging sea fills up the watery gap; Anon he is all gone, and nothing seen, But likeness of green turf and hillocks green. XLVII. And where he swam, the constant sun lies sleeping, Over the verdant plain that makes his bed; And all the noisy waves go freshly leaping, XLVIII. Yet weep and watch for him though all in vain ! Ye moaning billows, seek him as ye wander! Ye winds, grow hoarse with asking for Leander! XLIX. She says 'tis love hath bribed her to this deed, L. She holds the casket, but her simple hand Some dead man's spoil, and sicken of his pest. LI. Now she compels him to her deeps below, *LII. Down and still downward through the dusky green She bore him, murmuring with joyous haste In too rash ignorance, as he had been Born to the texture of that watery waste; That which she breath'd and sigh'd, the emerald wave, How could her pleasant home become his grave! LIII. Down and still downward through the dusky green She bore her treasure, with a face too nigh To mark how life was alter'd in its mien, Or how the light grew torpid in his eye, Or how his pearly breath unprison'd there, LIV. She could not miss the throbbings of his heart, LV. Soon she alights upon her ocean-floor, And straight unyokes her arms from her fair prize; Then on his lovely face begins to pore, As if to glut her soul; her hungry eyes Have grown so jealous of her arms' delight; LVI. But O sad marvel! O most bitter strange ! Why will he not embrace, why not exchange Her kindly kisses; wherefore not exhale Some odorous message from life's ruby gates, Where she his first sweet embassy awaits ? |