By the Sea: III. Counsellors

Who are chief counsellors of me? Who know
My heart’s desire and every secret thing?
Three of one fellowship: the encompassing
Strong Sea, who mindful of Earth’s ancient woe
Still surges on with swift, undaunted flow
That no sad shore should lack his comforting;
And next the serene Sky, whether he ring
With flawless blue a wilderness, or show
Tranced in the Twilight’s arms his fair child-star;
Third of the three, eldest and lordliest,
Love, all whose wings are wide above my head,
Whose eyes are clearer heavens, whose lips have said
Low words more rare than the quired sea-songs are,--
O Love, high things and stern thou counsellest.