COMPOSED BY THE SEA-SIDE, NEAR CALAIS, AUGUST, 1802

Fair Star of evening, Splendour 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, that is England; there she 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.