Page:Beachy Head and Other Poems.pdf/105

Rh

Where Algæ stream, as change the flowing tides, And where, half flower, half fish, the Polyp hides, And long tenacious bands of sea-lace twine Round palm-shaped leaves impearl'd with coralline, Enamour'd Fancy now the sea-maids calls, And from their grottos dim, and shell-paved halls, Charm'd by her voice, the shining train emerge, And buoyant float above the circling surge; Green Byssus, waving in the sea-born gales, Form'd their thin mantles, and transparent veils, Panier'd in shells, or bound with silver strings, Of silken pinna; each her trophy brings Of plants, from rocks and caverns submarine, With leathery branch, and bladder'd buds between; There, its dark folds the pucker'd laver spread, With trees in miniature of various red;