Composed by the Sea-side
FAIR 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 1802Composed 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.
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