AMBERGRIS 
83 
 
 
 
FROM THE ARGONAUTS 
 
Hong Kong Harbour 
 
Over a sea like stained glass 
At sunset like a chrysopras :— 
Our smooth-oared vessel over-rides 
Crimson and green and purple tides. 
Between the rocky isles we pass, 
And greener islets gay with grass ; 
Between the over-arching sides 
Our pinnace glides. 
 
Just by the mænad-haunted hill 
Songs rise into the air, and thrill, 
Like clustered birds at evening 
When love outlingers rain and spring. 
Faint faces of strange dancers spill 
Their dewy scent ;  and sweet and chill 
The wind comes faintly whispering 
On wanton wing. 
 
Between the islands sheer and steep 
Our craft treads noiseless o’er the deep, 
Turned to the gold heart of the west, 
The sun’s last sigh of love expressed 
Ere the lake glimmer, borrow sleep 
From clouds and tinge their edges ;  weep 
That night brings love not to his breast, 
But only rest. 
 
We move toward the golden track 
Shed in the water :  we look back 
Eastward, where rose is set to warn 
Promise and prophecy of dawn 
Reflected, lest the ocean lack