The night-flood rakes upon the stony shore; Along the rugged cliffs and chalky caves Mourns the hoarse Ocean, seeming to deplore All that are buried in his restless waves[.] -- Mined by corrosive tides, the hollow rock Falls prone, and rushing from its turfy height, Shakes the broad beach with long-resounding shock, Loud thundering on the ear of sullen Night; Above the desolate and stormy deep, Gleams the wan Moon, by floating mist opprest; Yet here while youth, and health, and labour sleep, Alone I wander[.] -- Calm untroubled rest, "Nature's soft nurse," deserts the sigh-swoln breast, And shuns the eyes, that only wake to weep! |