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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ELEGIAC SONNET: 83. THE SEA VIEW by CHARLOTTE SMITH

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE UPLAND SHEPHERD, AS RECLINED HE LIES
Last Line: AH! THUS MAN SPOILS HEAVEN'S GLORIOUS WORKS WITH BLOOD!
Subject(s): SEA BATTLES; NAVAL WARFARE;

The upland Shepherd, as reclined he lies
On the soft turf that clothes the mountain brow,
Marks the bright Sea-line mingling with the skies;
Or from his course celestial, sinking slow,
The Summer-Sun in purple radiance low,
Blaze on the western waters; the wide scene
Magnificent, and tranquil, seems to spread
Even o'er the Rustic's breast a joy serene,
When, like dark plague-spots by the Demons shed,
Charged deep with death, upon the waves, far seen,
Move the war-freighted ships; and fierce and red,
Flash their destructive fire [.] -- The mangled dead
And dying victims then pollute the flood.
Ah! thus man spoils Heaven's glorious works with blood!



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