THE ANCIENT MARINER. I. It is an ancient Mariner, And he stoppeth one of three : “ By thy long grey beard and thy glittering eye “ Now wherefore stoppest me ? “ The Bridegroom's doors are open'd wide “ And I am next of kin; “ The Guests are met, the Feast is set, May'st hear the merry din." K But still he holds the wedding guest There was a Ship, quoth he- 66 He holds him with his skinny hand, Quoth he, there was a Ship “ Now get thee hence, thou grey-beard Loon! “ Or my Staff shall make thee skip." He holds him with his glittering eye The wedding guest stood still The Mariner hath his will. The wedding-guest sate on a stone, He cannot chuse but hear : The bright-eyed Mariner. The Ship was cheer'd, the Harbour clear'd Merrily did we drop Below the Light-house top. The Sun came up upon the left, Out of the Sea came he : Went down into the sea, Higher and higher every day, Till over the mast at noon For he heard the loud bassoon. The Bride hath pac'd into the Hall, Red as a rose is she; The merry Minstralsy. |