Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 2.djvu/187

CANTO II.] LXXX.

Loud was the lightsome tumult on the shore,

Oft Music changed, but never ceased her tone,

And timely echoed back the measured oar,

And rippling waters made a pleasant moan:

The Queen of tides on high consenting shone,

And when a transient breeze swept o'er the wave,

'Twas, as if darting from her heavenly throne,

A brighter glance her form reflected gave,

Till sparkling billows seemed to light the banks they lave.

LXXXI.

Glanced many a light Caique along the foam,

Danced on the shore the daughters of the land,

No thought had man or maid of rest or home,

While many a languid eye and thrilling hand

Exchanged the look few bosoms may withstand,

Or gently prest, returned the pressure still:

Oh Love! young Love! bound in thy rosy band,

Let sage or cynic prattle as he will,

These hours, and only these, redeem Life's years of ill!