Ocean

Robert Pollok (c. 1798–1827)

From “The Course of Time,” Book I.

GREAT Ocean! strongest of creation’s sons,

Unconquerable, unreposed, untired,

That rolled the wild, profound, eternal bass

In nature’s anthem, and made music such

As pleased the ear of God! original,

Unmarred, unfaded work of Deity!

And unburlesqued by mortal’s puny skill;

From age to age enduring, and unchanged,

Majestical, inimitable, vast,

Loud uttering satire, day and night, on each

Succeeding race, and little pompous work

Of man; unfallen, religious, holy sea!

Thou bowedest thy glorious head to none, fearedst none,

Heardst none, to none didst honor, but to God

Thy Maker, only worthy to receive

Thy great obeisance.