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To the heroic soul the sea appears

As youth full of breakings and makings fresh;

The mind that creates ideals discovers

Ever new forms on the sea's breast emerge.

What is the sea in the scientist's eyes?

Revolt and struggle at every step;

The mystic rapt in meditation reads

Here the message of the Eternal Self.

Beauteous both as sweet and austere,

The sea inspires poets to lofty verse,— The strain that proceeds therefrom is a spur

To noble freedom, full and simple life.

Love itself is the sea to the lovers' gaze.

Swelling with longings, calm when satisfied;

Joy's self it is to those that are alive,

To the oppressed it is but cries and tears.

The past, present, future, ages, cycles,—

All that limitless is, are the sea's walls;

The stillness of the midnight it evokes

And the deepest gloom of the dark fortnight.