Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.
Richard Henry Horne 180284Genius
Horne-RiF
While veer’d the wind, and flapp’d the sail—
We saw a snow-white butterfly
Dancing before the fitful gale,
Far out at sea!
His way, of danger nothing knew;
Settled awhile upon the mast,
Then flutter’d o’er the waters blue,
Far out at sea.
Beneath, the boundless ocean sheen;
Between them danced the butterfly,
The spirit-life of this vast scene,
Far out at sea.
Seeking the clouds on fragile wings,
Lur’d by the brighter, purer ray
Which hope’s ecstatic morning brings,
Far out at sea.
Scarce seen—now lost—yet onward borne!
Night comes!—with wind and rain—and he
No more will dance before the Morn,
Far out at sea.
Perhaps not sooner, or worse cross’d;
And he hath felt, thought, known, and seen
A larger life and hope—though lost
Far out at sea!