Composed by the Sea-side
Composed by the Sea-side - meaning Summary
Patriotic Gaze at Evening Star
The speaker addresses the evening star as a symbol of England, imagining it poised above the homeland like a glorious crest. He proposes the star as the nation’s emblem and blesses both star and country. Beneath the admiration lies anxiety: the speaker expresses heartfelt fears for England and a sense of isolation among people who do not love her. The poem mixes patriotic reverence with private concern.
Read Complete AnalysesFAIR 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.
Near Calais, August 1802
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