Ambergris

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