The Ocean’s Song

(“Nous nous promenions à Rozel-Tower.”)
{Bk. VI. iv., October, 1852.}

We walked amongst the ruins famed in story
Of Rozel-Tower,
And saw the boundless waters stretch in glory
And heave in power.

O ocean vast! we heard thy song with wonder,
Whilst waves marked time.
“Appeal, O Truth!” thou sang’st with tone of thunder,
“And shine sublime!

“The world’s enslaved and hunted down by beagles,—
To despots sold,
Souls of deep thinkers, soar like mighty eagles,
The Right uphold.

“Be born; arise; o’er earth and wild waves bounding
Peoples and suns!
Let darkness vanish;—tocsins be resounding,
And flash, ye guns!

“And you,—who love no pomps of fog, or glamour,
Who fear no shocks,
Brave foam and lightning, hurricane and clamor,
Exiles—the rocks!”

TORU DUTT