VIII.

And who the first that, springing on the strand, Leaped like a Nereid from her shell to land, With dark but brilliant skin, and dewy eye Shining with love, and hope, and constancy? Neuha--the fond, the faithful, the adored-- Her heart on Torquil's like a torrent poured; And smiled, and wept, and near, and nearer clasped, As if to be assured 'twas _him_ she grasped; 190 Shuddered to see his yet warm wound, and then, To find it trivial, smiled and wept again. She was a warrior's daughter, and could bear Such sights, and feel, and mourn, but not despair. Her lover lived,--nor foes nor fears could blight That full-blown moment in its all delight: Joy trickled in her tears, joy filled the sob That rocked her heart till almost heard to throb; And Paradise was breathing in the sigh Of Nature's child in Nature's ecstasy. 200