I. Written at Tinemouth, Northumberland, after a Tempestuous Voyage.

Portrait of William Lisle Bowles
William Lisle Bowles 1762–1850

AS slow I climb the cliff's ascending side, Much musing on the track of terror past When o'er the dark wave rode the howling blast Pleas'd I look back, and view the tranquil tide, That laves the pebbled shore; and now the beam Of evening smiles on the grey battlement, And yon forsaken tow'r, that time has rent. The lifted oar far off with silver gleam Is touch'd and the hush'd billows seem to sleep. Sooth'd by the scene, ev'n thus on sorrow's breast A kindred stillness steals and bids her rest; Whilst the weak winds that sigh along the deep, The ear, like lullabies of pity, meet, Singing the saddest notes of farewell sweet.

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