[C] See Colin Clout's come Home againe, ll. 244-5—
Of them the shepheard which hath charge in chief,
Is Triton, blowing loud his wreathèd horne.Ed.
"WITH SHIPS THE SEA WAS SPRINKLED FAR AND NIGH"
Composed 1806.—Published 1807
Placed among the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."—Ed.
With Ships the sea was sprinkled far and nigh,[A]
Like stars in heaven, and joyously it showed;
Some lying fast at anchor in the road,
Some veering up and down, one knew not why.
A goodly Vessel did I then espy 5
Come like a giant from a haven broad;
And lustily along the bay she strode,
Her tackling rich, and of apparel high.[B]
This Ship was nought to me, nor I to her,
Yet I pursued her with a Lover's look; 10
This Ship to all the rest did I prefer:
When will she turn, and whither? She will brook
No tarrying; where She comes the winds must stir:
On went She, and due north her journey took.[C]
FOOTNOTES:
[A] Compare The Excursion, book iv. l. 1197—