The Noontide Calm, II

Slowly the shadows crawl Along the wall Of the sea-king's hall. The sea-grass curtains thro' He looks out upon the blue Glimmering regions that bow down To the magic of his crown. Lord of half an ocean, he Loves to live where rivers three, Flowing from the windy hills, Drinkers of a thousand rills, Pour into the thirsty sea. There he delights to lie, Mirroring the lucent sky In his wild and wondrous eye. Far, far o'erhead he marks The swordfish and the sharks Darting up and floating down; Sees the porpoise, blue and brown, Plunge thro' the silver nebula Of fish;—the herring in dismay Break, scatter like a starry host Whose path some errant sun has cross'd. And he smiles to watch the race When the merry dolphins chase A dogfish from his flying prey; Where the clumsy sea-cows stray, Herded by the mermen strong, Who, with lances light and long, Keep the gaunt sea-wolves at bay.