Page:Morning-Glories and Other Stories.djvu/162

The rough waves grew more mild to her,
   Though cruel to great ships;
The sea-gulls stooped in their wild flights,
   To kiss her smiling lips.
She helped the coral builders small
   To shape their little cells,
And in the diver's dangerous path
   Laid heaps of pearly shells;
She guided well the fisher-boats
   Through many a stormy gale,
And lured away the angry winds
   From many a tattered sail;
She scattered pebbles on the beach,
   And sea-weed on the sands,
To gladden children's longing eyes,
   And fill their little hands.
These things she did with patient care,
   Forgetful of herself,
Till in the sea she was more loved
   Than mermaid, sprite, or elf;
While all the joy to others given
   Came back unconsciously,
To cheer and brighten her own life,
   Wherever she might be.
"Ah! now I know why I am sad,"
   Cried Bessie, at the sight,
"When I am good, as Goldfin is,
   My heart will be as light."
And henceforth Bessie daily grew
   More cheerful and content:
In generous acts and friendly words
   Her happy days were spent.
No longer lonely seemed the sea,
   So full of friends it grew;
Nor longer gloomy, for the sun
   Shone through the waters blue.
No more she wept beside the shore,
   But floated daily there;
And hung gay garlands on the rocks,
   That once were brown and bare,