Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/668



How long in that same fit I lay, I have not to declare; But ere my living life return'd, I heard, and in my soul discern'd Two voices in the air.

"Is it he?" quoth one, "is this the man? By Him who died on cross, With his cruel bow he laid full low The harmless Albatross.

The Spirit who bideth by himself In the land of mist and snow, He loved the bird that loved the man Who shot him with his bow."

The other was a softer voice, As soft as honey-dew: Quoth he, "The man hath penance done, And penance more will do."

First Voice:

'"But tell me, tell me! speak again. Thy soft response renewing— What makes that ship drive on so fast? What is the Ocean doing?"

Second Voice:

"Still as a slave before his lord, The Ocean hath no blast; His great bright eye most silently Up to the Moon is cast—