Philosophies — Ocean and the Rock

OCEAN AND THE ROCK

THE ROCK: ‘Cease, O rude and raging Sea, Thus to waste thy war on me.

Hast thou not enough assail’d, All these ages, Fool, and fail’d?

’ OCEAN: ‘Gaunt and ghastly Skeleton, Remnant of a time that’s gone, Tott’ring in thy last decay Durst thou still to darken day?

’ THE ROCK: ‘Empty Brawler, brawl no more;

Cease to waste thy watery war On my bastion’d Bases broad, Sanctified by Time and God.

’ OCEAN: ‘Thou that beëst but to be, Scornest thou my energy?

Not much longer lasts the strife.

I am Labour, I am Life.

’ THE ROCK: ‘Roar, then, roar, and vent thy Surge;

Thou not now shalt drone my dirge.

Dost imagine to dismay This my iron breast with Spray?

’ OCEAN: ‘Relic of primeval Slime, I shall whelm thee in my time.

Changeless thou dost ever die;

Changing but immortal I. ’ Andamans, 1886-7. * * * * *