The Delights of Harmony; or, Norfolk Compiler ‎#84

84. Ode on the Setting Sun

Ah, whither rolls thou fair retiring Light?
Why fade those rays that shone awhile so bright?
Now o'er the wave thy sinking glories stream,
And now alas we lose thy latest beam.

Dost thou to Neptune's pearly courts repair,
And view the lovely Nerida sporting there?
With thy fair beams illume the coral groves
Where Tritons wander & where Thetis roves.

Or dost thou shed in other worlds thy ray,
And give to other climes a newborn day?
What joy, what transports wait thy glad return,
When thro' the clouds of night breaks forth the morn!

Yet those there are who hate they cheering beam,
In whose dark breasts no rays of pleasure gleam,
Who from thy bright approach, unwelcome run,
"And sigh, and sigh, in shades, and sicken at the sun"

Thus once was I with heavy grief opprest;
The morn no pleasure gave, the night no rest;
Till cheering Friendship lent her beaming ray,
And all was pleasure with the opening Day.

Text Information

• First Line: Ah, whither rolls thou fair retiring Light?
• Title: Ode on the Setting Sun
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1805
• Source: A New-York Magazine

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