Canto XXIII

John walked along a mountain's , highest peak,
The first rays, of the sun just touch his cheek.
The beauteous sight caused him delight most keen,
He stopped to view this truly pompous scene.

The morning star was just about to fade,
Its soft rays no more any light conveyed,
It died away like an escaping sigh
The moment when the sun rose in the sky,

Rose in the sky ablaze with golden hues
And gently the smooth ocean billows views,
Which billows, so it seemed, were still asleep
While into infinite space rolls their- sweep.

The sea was calm, but on its surface sport
Some tiny golden fish of divers sort.
And when the sunrays touch their scales, it seems
That rarest diamonds spend their lustrous gleams,

A fisher's hut stood on the ocean shore,
The fisherman was old, four score or more.
The man was just about to cast his net
When John addresses him: "Old man! My debt

Of gratitude to you would boundless be,
If you would kindly row me 'cross the sea.
I'd gladly pay you, Sir, but I am poor,
I can you but of heartfelt thanks assure."

"My son, e'en were you rich, you could not pay,"
— The old man said in kindly, gentle way, —
"Whate'er I need in life: this mighty sea,
My fishing net, will e'er provide for me.

Biut tell me, my dear boy, what brings you here?
This is the sea of seas; — Ito make it clear:
It has no other shore, you therefore see
No wealth could make me row across the sea."

"The sea of seas" cried John, "then all the more
Desirous am to reach the other shore.
I'll get across! But how? Oh, well! I know!
Into my famous reed I'll have to blow."
A shrill loud call he gives upon the reed.
One of the giant lads gives promptly heed.
"Can you wade o'er this sea? and if you can
Then wade across with me right now, my man

'"Can I wade o'er?" — The giant laughs in glee,
"This is no sea, this is a pond for me.
Sit on my shoulder, to my hair hold on,
I'll safely wade across with you, King John!"