As through the surf the dolphins flew,
They stopped and played around her throne;
It seemed, Arion woke anew
His harp to some celestial tone.

VII.

With what a thrilling ecstasy
I heard the music of her lyre;
The very soul of melody
Seemed warbling on the trembling wire:
O, never o'er her infant dear
The mother half so fondly hung,
As when I bent my soul to hear
Those heavenly strains the Mermaid sung.

"The Mermaid"
by James Gates Percival (1795-1856)