Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Susan MarrSpalding

1332 The Sea’s Spell

BENEATH thy spell, O radiant summer sea,—

Lulled by thy voice, rocked on thy shining breast,

Fanned by thy soft breath, by thy touch caressed,—

Let all thy treacheries forgotten be.

Let me still dream the ships I gave to thee

All golden-freighted in fair harbors rest;

Let me believe each sparkling wave’s white crest

Bears from thy depths my loved and lost to me.

Let me not heed thy wrecks, nor count thy slain.

As o’er-fond lovers for love’s sake forget

Their dearest wrongs, so I, with eyes still wet

With thy salt tears, with heart still wrung with pain,

Back to thy fierce, sweet beauty turn again,

And though thou wreck me, will I love thee yet!