I PACED , an easy rambler,
Along the surf-washed shore —
And watched the noble freightage
The swelling ocean bore.
I met a moody fellow
Who thus discoursed his wo —
" Across the inconstant waters,
Deceitful woman, go!

" I loved that beauteous lady —
More truly wight ne'er loved —
I loved that high-born lady,
My faith she long had proved:
Her troth to me she plighted
With passion's amorous show —
Go o'er the inconstant waters,
Ungrateful worldling, go!

" Be mine yon cliff-perched chapel
Which beetles o'er the deep;
There, like some way-worn palmer,
I'll sit me down and weep.
I'll note upon the billows
Her lessening sail of snow,
And waft across the waters —
Go, fleeting fair one, go! "

He clambered to the chapel
That toppled o'er the deep —
There, like a way-worn palmer,
He laid him down to weep:
And still I heard his wailing
Upon the strand below —
" Go o'er the inconstant waters,
Go, faithless woman, go! "