FISHERMEN will relate that in the South Upon an island rich in spice and oil And precious stones that glitter in the sand, There dwelt a bird who, standing upon earth, Could tear the crowns of lofty trees asunder With his strong beak; who, lifting up his wings Dyed as with ichor of the Tyrian snail, Unto his low and heavy flight, had been A shadow in seeming, like a somber cloud. By day he vanished in the olive groves, But evening ever brought him to the shore Where in the coolness of the salt sea-breeze He raised up his sweet voice and dolphins came. Who are the friends of song, across the sea With golden feathers filled and golden sparks. Thus lived he since the making of the world And only ship-wrecked sailors saw his form. But when for the first time the snowy sails Of man, guided by fortunate winds had turned Unto his island—to its topmost hill He rose surveying that beloved place, And spreading out his mighty pinions Departed with a muffled cry of pain. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...WHAT I LIVE FOR by GEORGE LINNAEUS BANKS ODE ON THE POETICAL CHARACTER by WILLIAM COLLINS (1721-1759) DORA VERSUS ROSE by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON STANZAS ON THE DEATH OF A FRIEND by REGINALD HEBER |