Epes Sargent (1813–1880)

NOW we ’re afloat upon the tropic sea!

Here Summer holdeth a perpetual reign:

How flash the waters in their bounding glee!

The sky’s soft purple is without a stain!

Full in our wake the smooth, warm trade-winds, blowing,

To their unvarying goal still faithful run!

And as we steer, with sails before them flowing,

Nearer the zenith daily climbs the sun.

The startled flying-fish around us skim,

Glossed, like the humming-bird, with rainbow dyes;

And, as they dip into the water’s brim,

Swift in pursuit the preying dolphin hies.

All, all is fair; and, gazing round, we feel

Over the yielding sense the torrid languor steal.