SONNETS.

SONNET I. ▾

WRITTEN AT

TINEMOUTH, NORTHUMBERLAND,

AFTER A TEMPESTUOUS VOYAGE.

As slow I climb the cliff's ascending side,
Much musing on the track of terror past,
When o'er the dark wave rode the howling blast,
Pleas'd I look back and view the tranquil tide
That laves the pebbled shore. And now the beam
Of ev'ning smiles on the grey battlement,

And

yon forsaken tow'r that time has rent:The lifted oar far off with silver gleam

Is touch'd, and hush'd is all the billowy deep!
Sooth'd by the scene, thus on tir'd nature's breast
A stillness slowly steals, and kindred rest;
While sea-sounds lull her, as she sinks to sleep,
Like melodies which mourn upon the lyre,

Wak'd by the breeze, and, as they mourn, expire.

SONNET II.*

AT

BAMBOROUGH CASTLE.

YE holy towers that shade the wave-worn steep,
Long may ye rear your aged brows sublime,
Though, hurrying silent by, relentless Time
Assail you, and the winter whirlwind's sweep!
For far from blazing Grandeur's crouded halls,
Here Charity hath fix'd her chosen seat,

Oft list'ning tearful when the wild winds beat With hollow bodings round your ancient walls; And Pity, at the dark and stormy hour

Of midnight, when the moon is hid on high, Keeps her lone watch upon the topmost tow'r,

And turns her ear to each expiring cry; Blest if her aid some fainting wretch might save,

And snatch him cold and speechless from the wave.

BAMBOROUGH CASTLE.

Many readers may be ignorant that this very ancient castle, with its extensive domains, heretofore the property of the family of FORSTER, whose heiress married Lord CREWE, bishop of Durham, is appropriated by the will of that pious Prelate to many benevolent purposes; particularly that of ministring instant relief to such shipwrecked mariners as may happen to be cast on this dangerous coast, for whose preservation, and that of their vessels, every possible assistance is contrived, and is at all times ready. The whole estate is vested in the hands of Trustees, one of whom, Dr. SHARP, archdeacon of Northumberland, with an active zeal well suited to the nature of the humane institution, makes this castle his chief residence, attending with unwearied diligence to the proper application of the charity.