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ATLANTIS.
XV.I ween it was a fair and goodly sight— A thousand vessels rocking on the tide,Like white swans half-afloat, half-poised for flight, That not in wave nor yet in air abide; And with the winds, that seemed their stay to chide,Went streaming scarlet pennons, and the stir Of yellow flag and silken awning wide,And cleaving oar of hurrying Islander,Did all with music soft the lingering morn deter.
XVI.Followed the Noon, her white hand dipping low To fret the goldened waters; sweet as sleepBreathed parting songs that, trembling, drifted slow From shores receded: eyes there were did weep, In bowery haunts, to see the far sails sweepTheir snow against the azure of the East; But well the proud ships rode the sunny deep,Full well thereon the mirthful din increased,And lofty-minded youth no vaunt of victory ceased.
