The poem
When old Noah stared across the floods, Sky and water melted into one Looking-glass of shifting tides and sun.
Mountain-tops were few: the ship was foul: All the morn old Noah marvelled greatly At this weltering world that shone so stately, Drowning deep the rivers and the plains. Through the stillness came a rippling breeze; Noah sighed, remembering the green trees.
Clear along the morning stooped a bird,- Lit beside him with a blossomed sprig. Earth was saved; and Noah danced a jig.