The Sea-King.

1     In green sea-caverns dim,      Deep down,     A monarch pale and slim,      Whose soul's a frown,     He ruleth cold and grim      In foamy crown:     In green sea-caverns dim,          Deep down.     2     He hears the Mermaid sing          So sad!     Far off like some curs'd thing,      That ne'er is glad,     A vague, wild murmuring,      That drives men mad:     He hears the Mermaid sing          So sad!     3     Strange monster bulks are there,          That yawn     Or roll huge eyes that glare      And then are gone;     Weird foliage passing fair      Where clings the spawn:     Strange monster bulks are there,          That yawn.     4     What cares he for wrecked hulls          These years!     Red gold the water dulls!      Grim, dead-men jeers     On jaws of a thousand skulls      Of mariners!     What cares he for wrecked hulls          These years!     5     Man's tears are loved of him,          Deep down;     Set in the foamy rim      Of his frail crown     To pearls the tear-drops dim      Freeze at his frown:     Man's tears are loved of him,          Deep down.     6     Here be the halls of Sleep          Full mute,     Chill, shadowy, and deep,      Where hangs no lute     To make the still heart leap      Of man or brute:     Here be the halls of Sleep          Full mute.