The Funeral, XXIII

Afar upon the spangled deep The barges move in solemn show; The oars their regular cadence keep, As ’twixt each pause a sob of wo Bursts from the sailor, and a tear Falls down unseen on ocean’s breast; While, in their gloomy livery drest, The sable nodding biers appear Reflected in the waters clear, Like plumes upon a silver crest!