Classic Poem

Solemn is night, when Silence holds her reign,
And the hush'd winds die on the heaving main;
When no short gleam of scatter'd light appears,
Nor lunar beams make faint the nobler stars;
Then those whom inward cares deprive of rest
Pour forth the secret sorrows of the breast.

Such was the night-smooth glides the bark along,
From whence young HENRY breath'd his thoughtful song;
Pacing the deck, he threw his eyes around
The thick-starr'd firmament, and vast profound;
The patient winds scarce whistled o'er the waist,
The burning waves the vessel's prow embrac'd;
The nitrous air unclouded glow'd on high,
With northern meteors trembling through the sky.

" Eternal Power! " he cried, " with justice fraught,
" O! teach a wretch to curb each stubborn thought,
" Whose passions reason's powers no more restrain,
" Grown wanton midst intolerable pain.

" Pierc'd by ingratitude, I rove forlorn,
" My faithful heart from strong affection's torn;
" A willing exile on the dangerous main,
" Unshook by storms, while calms breathe peace in vain.
" Oft with unmanly tenderness I mourn;
" And, tortur'd by imagination, burn;
" Sighs in a natural cadence close each song,
" And tones of anguish vibrate on my tongue.

" All is now hush'd, still as the silent grave,
" The breeze scarce swells the smooth unruffled wave,
" Which glittering with celestial lustre bright,
" Reflects the spangled heaven's ethereal light:
" O! how sublime this tract, for man design'd!
" Vast the perceptions of his rapid mind!
" Strongly to earth his young affections cling,
" While Fancy waves her bright and various wing;
" But soon each hope of earthly bliss is cross'd,
" Nipt in the bud, or in possession lost;
" Blushing, our empty wishes we survey,
" When we our passions with their motives weigh.

" Deeply I feel this still and solemn hour,
" Impress'd with GOD'S immeasurable power;
" While worlds unnumber'd 'mid yon ether burn,
" And thoughts immense pour in where'er I turn.
" How much man errs, whose soul, with thought sublime,
" Looks on tow'rds endless bliss thro' boundless time!
" When he to earthly passions gives dire sway,
" Or mourns those joys which of themselves decay!