Pages 289-290
THE DISTANT SHIP.
BY MRS. HEMANS.
I.
The sea-bird's wing, o'er ocean's breast,
Shoots like a glancing star,
While the red radiance of the west
Spreads kindling fast and far;
And yet that splendour wins thee not,—
Thy still and thoughtful eye
Dwells but on one dark, distant spot
Of all the main and sky.
II.
Look round thee!—o'er the slumbering deep
A solemn glory broods;
A fire hath touched the beacon-steep,
And all the golden woods:
A thousand gorgeous clouds on high
Burn with the amber light;—
What spell, from that rich pageantry,
Chains down thy gazing sight?
