The Wife From The Sea

I snatched her from her home away-- From her great waters, cool and free, My sea-maid, in whose eyes there lay The depths and dangers of the sea.

I brought her where faint breezes sweep Through lanes walled in with hedges high, And sown with luscious grass and deep At ease the fatted pastures lie.

I gave her my poor cottage home, The tame face of the countryside-- Who knew the waves' withdrawing foam, The thunder of the bursting tide.

And day by day did I rejoice To see her sit beside my door, Nor knew that in her heart the voice Of ocean called forever more.

Until the grace I would not give Death gave. His mighty hand set free My wild sea-maid, that could not live Without her waters' liberty.

And I?--To me the fields are dear; The steadfast earth is home to me. Yet night by night in dreams I hear Her spirit call me from the sea.