O'er all the shining levels of the beach
The tide outpours its hissing, foaming brine,
While with the primal surge the winds combine
To press the eager waves to utmost reach.
See yon brave billow, rising from the pleach
Of seething waters, with a might divine,
Its sinews wrought in beauty's flowing line,
Leap forward now to make the age-sought breach!
Lo, as the cresting plume is seen aloft,
The footing of its strength on sudden slips
And all is whelmed in thunderous recoils!
Ah, tragedy of lusty life! How oft
Some high emprise a soul divinely grips,
But as it crests fate's undertow despoils!