C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
As Ships Becalmed
By Arthur Hugh Clough (18191861)
A
With canvas drooping, side by side,
Two towers of sail, at dawn of day,
Are scarce long leagues apart descried.
And all the darkling hours they plied;
Nor dreamt but each the self-same seas
By each was clearing, side by side:
Of those whom, year by year unchanged,
Brief absence joined anew, to feel,
Astounded, soul from soul estranged?
And onward each rejoicing steered;
Ah! neither blame, for neither willed
Or wist what first with dawn appeared.
Brave barks!—in light, in darkness too!
Through winds and tides one compass guides
To that and your own selves be true.
Though ne’er that earliest parting past,
On your wide plain they join again,
Together lead them home at last.
One purpose hold, where’er they fare;
O bounding breeze, O rushing seas,
At last, at last, unite them there.