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