In a Boat

Look yonder! where the sun a fiery shieldGlows red as blood, . . . slung low in a clear sky!Day droops with languid limbs and calm lips sealed

Slumber-ward in the west; and Night leans nigh.The boat that bears us to the rock-girt shoreSeems scarce to move, she sails so listlessly:

The sunset paves a golden path before,Behind,—the purple pinions of the nightWinnow the wide sea's emerald tinted floor.

A dusky flock of starlings in their flightStand out against the rose-stained heaven, they areLike leaves uplifted cast athwart the light.

Flushes of lingering colour, from afarReflect themselves in the round silver moon,And in the blue burns flower-like one white star . . .

Our Summer day has sped so soon . . . soon! . . .Still, you are near me Dearest, and there liesAll its lost sunshine in your splendid eyes!