As I was walking
Alone by the sea,
'_What is that whisper?_'
Said Merlin to me.
'Only,' I answered,
'The sigh of the wave'--
'_Oh, no_,' replied Merlin,
'_'Tis the grass on your grave_.'

As I lay dreaming
In churchyard ground
'_Listen_,' said Merlin,
'_What is that sound_?'
'The green grass is growing,'
I answered; but he
Chuckled, '_Oh, no!
'Tis the sound of the sea_.'

As I went homeward
At dusk by the shore,
'_What is that crimson?_'
Said Merlin once more.
'Only the sun,' I said.
'Sinking to rest'--
'_Sunset for East_,' he said,
'_Sunrise for West_.'