I watch,and long have watched,with calm regret
Yon slowly-sinking star—immortal Sire
(So might he seem)of all the glittering quire!
Blue ether still surrounds him—yet—and yet;
But now the horizon’s rocky parapet
Is reached,where,forfeiting his bright attire,
He burns—transmuted to a dusky fire—
Then pays submissively the appointed debt
To the flying moments,and is seen no more.
Angels and gods! We struggle with our fate,
While health,power,glory,from their height decline,
Depressed;and then extinguished:and our state,
In this,how different,lost Star,from thine,
That no to-morrow shall our beams restore!