IV
1840
(ÆT. 22-23)
Jan. 10.
THE FISHER'S SON[1]
I know the world where land and water meet,
By yonder hill abutting on the main;
One while I hear the waves incessant beat,
Then, turning round, survey the land again.
Within a humble cot that looks to sea,
Daily I breathe this curious warm life;
Beneath a friendly haven's sheltering lee
My noiseless day with myst'ry still is rife.
'Tis here, they say, my simple life began;
And easy credit to the tale I lend,
For well I know 't is here I am a man.
But who will simply tell me of the end?
These eyes, fresh opened, spied the far-off Sea,
Which like a silent godfather did stand,
Nor uttered one explaining word to me,
But introduced straight Godmother Land.
And yonder still stretches that silent main,
With many glancing ships besprinkled o'er;
- ↑ [Stanzas 8, 10, 11, 12, with revision, Week, p. 255; Riv. 317. Stanzas 2-5, 9, 13, Familiar Letters, Introduction.]
