Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Joseph BrownleeBrown

512 Thalatta! Thalatta!

I STAND upon the summit of my life:

Behind, the camp, the court, the field, the grove,

The battle and the burden; vast, afar,

Beyond these weary ways, Behold! the Sea!

The sea o’erswept by clouds and winds and wings,

By thoughts and wishes manifold, whose breath

Is freshness and whose mighty pulse is peace.

Palter no question of the horizon dim,—

Cut loose the bark; such voyage itself is rest,

Majestic motion, unimpeded scope,

A widening heaven, a current without care,

Eternity!—deliverance, promise, course!

Time-tired souls salute thee from the shore.