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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ELEGIAC SONNET: 69. WRITTEN AT EXMOUTH, ON SEEING A SEAMAN by CHARLOTTE SMITH

Poet Analysis

First Line: CLOUDS, GOLD AND PURPLE, O'ER THE WESTERING RAY
Last Line: THO' POOR AND PLUNDER'D, HE ABSOLVES HIS FATE!
Subject(s): SAILING & SAILORS;

WHO HAD BEEN IMPRISONED AT ROCHFORT

Clouds, gold and purple, o'er the westering ray
Threw a bright veil, and catching lights between,
Fell on the glancing sail, that we had seen
With soft, but adverse winds, throughout the day
Contending vainly: as the vessel nears,
Encreasing numbers hail it from the shore;
Lo! on the deck a pallid form appears,
Half wondering to behold himself once more
Approach his home[.] -- And now he can discern
His cottage thatch amid surrounding trees;
Yet, trembling, dreads lest sorrow or disease
Await him there, embittering his return:
But all he loves are safe; with heart elate,
Tho' poor and plunder'd, he absolves his fate!



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