First Sight of the Sea + 

I do remember how, when very young, + 

I saw the great sea first, and heard its swell + 

As I drew nearer, caught within the spell + 

Of its vast size and its mysterious tongue. + 

How the floor trembled, and the dark boat swung + 

With a man in it, and a great wave fell + 

Within a stone’s cast! Words may never tell + 

The passion of the moment, when I flung + 

All childish records by, and felt arise + 

A thing that died no more! An awful power + 

I claimed with trembling hands and eager eyes, + 

Mine, mine for ever, an immortal dower.⁠— + 

The noise of waters soundeth to this hour + 

When I look seaward through the quiet skies. + 