Poem by Henry Alford

Sunset at Burton Pynsent, Somerset

HOW bare and bright thou sinkest to thy rest
Over the burnished line of the Severn sea!
While somewhat of thy power thou buriest
In ruddy mists, that we may look on thee.
And while we stand and wonder, we may see
Far mountain-tops in visible glory drest,
Where ’twixt yon purple hills the sight is free
To search the regions of the dim northwest.
But shadowy bars have crossed thee,—suddenly
Thou ’rt fallen among strange clouds; yet not the less
Thy presence know we, by the radiancy
That doth thy shroud with golden fringes dress;
Even as hidden love to faithful eye
Brightens the edges of obscure distress.

1. 1846
2. Ampton, Suffolk
3. Homer
4. I Had the Sweetest Dream but Yesternight
5. Written at Ampton, Suffolk, January, 1838

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