Three times the mallard circled in the dusk
Above the frozen lough; and then flew west
To seek the sea's salt waters, that no frost
Can ever lay to rest.

Three times the mallard circled in the dusk
Beneath the early stars of the clear night:
Then towards the restless waters of the west
Shot in their arrowed flight.

Oh, might my heart, with them on those wild seas
But for a while a stormy sojourn make;
Nor, like a withered reed, still rooted bide
Beside the frozen lake!