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TO R. T.
I have no right to love the sea
Save with the love that was born in me;
But you, whose father's father gave
Himself to serve the wind and wave,
Whose kin have sailed the seven seas,—
Your spirit is at one with these.
So, as you read my dreamed-of tales.
You hear the wind in long-furled sails;
The blood of brave sea-faring men
Stirs in your very heart again;
You glamour all my pages o'er
With sea-love that your kinsmen bore.
I have no right to love the sea
Save with the love that was born in me;
You who do honor to my page
Can call the sea your heritage.
