With startled glance I saw a figure bright,

No larger than a star, on luminous wings

Borne towards me with a swift continuous flight,

From some green island in the Occident.

At first, methought that Hesper from his throne

Upon the forehead of the firmament

Had parted, and was gliding o’er the foam

Of ocean towards me; but my error soon

Became apparent—for a gorgeous bird,

Apparelled in full many a splendid plume