Nor dim nor red, like God's own head,
The glorious Sun uprist:
Then all averred, I had killed the bird
That brought the fog and mist.
'Twas right, said they, such birds to slay,
That bring the fog and mist.It perched for vespers nine; Whiles all the night, through fog-smoke white, Glimmered the white Moon-shine. Often associated with Vespers services is Psalm 140, especially line 2. Considering what happens later, an interesting link.In mist or cloud, on mast or shroud,
Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men 2 Who devise evil things in their hearts; They continually stir up wars. 3 They sharpen their tongues as a serpent; Poison of a viper is under their lips.
We read this in my seventh grade English class! I had completely forgotten about it -- thanks for posting! A peculiar poem...I remember being intrigued by the albatross (seventh grade me had never heard of an albatross) and in particular these lines: 'God save thee, ancient Mariner!
From the fiends, that plague thee thus!—
Why look'st thou so?'—With my cross-bow
I shot the ALBATROSS.In mist or cloud, on mast or shroud,
It perched for vespers nine;
Whiles all the night, through fog-smoke white,
Glimmered the white Moon-shine.'
Had I from old and young! Instead of the cross, the Albatross About my neck was hung.Ah! well a-day! what evil looks