With Ships the Sea Was Sprinkled
WITH ships the sea was sprinkled far and nigh,Like stars in heaven, and joyously it showed;Some lying fast at anchor in the road,Some veering up and down, one knew not why.A goodly vessel did I then espyCome like a giant from a haven broad;And lustily along the bay she strode,‘Her tackling rich, and of apparel high.’This ship was naught to me, nor I to her,Yet I pursued her with a lover’s look;This ship to all the rest did I prefer:When will she turn, and whither? She will brookNo tarrying; where she comes the winds must stir:On went she—and due north her journey took.