The Sea

Bernard Barton (1784–1849)

BEAUTIFUL, sublime, and glorious;

Mild, majestic, foaming, free,—

Over time itself victorious,

Image of eternity!

Sun and moon and stars shine o’er thee,

See thy surface ebb and flow,

Yet attempt not to explore thee

In thy soundless depths below.

Whether morning’s splendors steep thee

With the rainbow’s glowing grace,

Tempests rouse, or navies sweep thee,

’T is but for a moment’s space.

Earth,—her valleys and her mountains,

Mortal man’s behests obey;

The unfathomable fountains

Scoff his search and scorn his sway.

Such art thou, stupendous Ocean!

But, if overwhelmed by thee,

Can we think, without emotion,

What must thy Creator be?