The Sea View

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This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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The Sea View
by Charlotte Smith
9242The Sea ViewCharlotte Smith
The upland shepherd, as reclined he lies

On the soft turf that clothes the mountain brow,

Marks the bright sea-line mingling with the skies;

Or from his course celestial sinking low

The summer sun in purple radiance glow

Blaze on the western waters; the wide scene

Magnificent and tranquil seems to spread

Even over the rustic's breast a joy serene,

When, like dark plague-spots by the demons shed,

Charged deep with death, upon the waves far seen

Move the war-freighted ships; and fierce and red

Flash their destructive fires--The mangled dead

And dying victims then pollute the flood.

Ah! thus man spoils glorious works with blood!