Corrections to third verse (these are from the original score):

"Was it a dream? Were all asleep?
Or did she cease her STRAIN?
For the seals with a splash dive into the deep
and the world goes on again
BUT lingers the refrain ..."

I guess we will never disentagle whether the refrain is traditional or 'faux-traditional'. Either way it's a fine and captivating piece.

I'm learning the piano part at present. Seems like great writing to me - it's always so impressive when such an economy of notes/gestures has such a rich effect.