OLD OCEAN.

Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 58, 9 March 1889, Page 3 (Supplement)

OLD OCEAN.

Let others praise the glowing laad, Or raise the lover's tuneful strain, But I've a theme more nobly grand. I laud the main, the bounding main. Mid scenes of gilded vice I nine. .. I hate to breathe in murky air, The ocean has a charm divine. For freedom's spirit revels there. What if we plough the glist'ning wave On fav'ring breezes wafted home. Or where the storm-bred breakers rave / With raging rush and seething'foam ? Upheaved upon their tossing crests, Light docs the buoyant barque careen, Then gliding o'er their glassy breasts Drives through the liquid hills between^ In one far'reaching torrent wide, Above her tow'rs the tott'ring flood: Upon her rolls the 'whelming tide. She shudd'ring reels before the thud, Till from the turbid waters freed, She breasts the billows' grim array. Then, like a strong and startled steed, Darts forth upon her dang'rous way. Though lightning rends the quiv'ring clouds With blinding blue and livid ray: Though tempests shake the shivering shrouds, And salt and stinging drives the spray; Though drifting rains a deluge pour, Though whirlwinds rack the straining gear, 'Mid thunder's crash and torrents' roar The freeborn spirit mocks at fear. Then let the miser gloat in glee O'er treasured hoards o£ golden gain, But naught can match the heaving sea, Broad ocean's blue and boundless plain. Chas. E. Hakvie. Upper Symonds-street, March 4th, 1889.