SUNSET ON HAMPTON ROADS.
Reading edition
Behind me purplish lines marked out the town, Before me stretched the noble Roadstead's tide: And there I saw the Evening sun go down Casting a parting glory far and wide— As King who for the cowl puts off his crown— So went the sun: and left a wealth of light Ere hidden by the cloister-gates of Night.
Beholding this my soul was stilled in prayer, I understood how all men, save the blind, Might find religion in a scene so fair And formulate a creed within the mind;— See prophesies in clouds; fates in the air; The skies flamed red; the murm'ring waves were hushed— "The conscious water saw its God and blushed."