Poems (Wordsworth, 1815)/Volume 2/Composed by the Sea shore near Calais

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Poems Volume II (1815)
by William Wordsworth
Composed by the Sea shore near Calais
140152Poems Volume II — Composed by the Sea shore near Calais1815William Wordsworth

I.

COMPOSED BY THE SEA-SIDE, NEAR CALAIS,

August, 1802.



Fair Star of Evening, Splendor of the West,
Star of my Country!—on the horizon's brink
Thou hangest, stooping, as might seem, to sink
On England's bosom; yet well pleased to rest,
Meanwhile, and be to her a glorious crest
Conspicuous to the Nations. Thou, I think,
Should'st be my Country's emblem; and should'st wink,
Bright Star! with laughter on her banners, drest
In thy fresh beauty. There! that dusky spot
Beneath thee, it is England; there it lies.
Blessings be on you both! one hope, one lot,
One life, one glory! I, with many a fear
For my dear Country, many heartfelt sighs,
Among Men who do not love her, linger here.