And sounds of retching and curses Forth from the cabin come; And I, to the mast close clinging, Long to be safe at home. XIV. The evening shades are falling, The sea-fog spreads with night. Mysterious waters are calling, There rises something white. The mermaid comes from the ocean, Beside me sitting down; Her white breast's breathing motion, I see through the gossamer gown. And she doth clasp and hold me, In passionate, painful way. Too close thou dost enfold me, Thou lovely water fay! "Within mine arms I hide thee, With all my strength enfold, I warm myself beside thee, The night is far too cold." Paler the moon is growing Through shadowy vapors gray. Thine eyes with tears are flowing, Thou lovely water fay! "With tears they are not flowing. As I from waves did rise, Forth from the ocean going, A drop fell in mine eyes." The sea-mews moan, entreating, What does the mad surf say? Thy heart is wildly beating, Thou lovely water fay. "My heart is beating sadly And wild as ever it can, Because I love thee madly, Thou lovely son of man." XV. When I before thy dwelling, In early morning pace, How gladly in the window I see thy gentle face. Thy brown-black eyes in pity, Mine own eyes, wistful scan, "Who art thou, and what lack'st thou, Thou strange, unhappy man?" I am a German poet, Of goodly German fame, When their best names are spoken, Mine own they are sure to name. And what I lack, sweet maiden, Most Germans lack the same. When men name sharpest sorrows, Mine own they are sure to name. XVI. The sea outspreading glorious, In the dying sunbeams shone. We sat by the lonely fisher's house, We sat there mute and alone. The waters swell, the mists arise, The sea-mew flutters past, And then from out thy loving eyes The tears come flowing fast. I see them falling on thy hand. Upon my knees I sink, And from the hollow of thy hand The burning tears I drink. Since then strange flames my flesh devour, My spent soul disappears, The wretched woman in that hour Poisoned me with her tears. XVII. Up yonder on the mountain, There stands a castle tall; There dwelt three beauteous maidens, And I was loved by all. On Saturday Hetty kissed me, And Sunday was Julia's day; On Monday Kunigunda Nigh hugged my breath away. On Tuesday, in the castle, My maidens gave a ball. The neighboring lords and ladies Came riding one and all. But I was not invited. Amazed they all appeared; The gossiping aunts and cousins Remarked the fact, and sneered. XVIII. Upon the far horizon Like a picture of the mist, Appears the towered city By the twilight shadows kissed. The moist, soft breezes ripple Our boat's wake gray and dark, With mournful measured cadence The boatman rows my bark.