Poems consisting of a tour through parts of North and South Wales, sonnets, odes, and an epistle to a friend on physiognomy. By W. Sotheby |
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45
SONNET I. ON THE SHIPS SAILING FOR BOTANY-BAY.
Fresh o'er the wave the winds that fav'ring blowFill the swoln sails. Genius of Albion, say
Why yon swift vessel cleaves the wat'ry way?
Is it to hurl thy vengeance on the foe;
To plunge 'mid untried seas th'adventurous prow;
Or to new isles where nature's children stray,
Arts yet untaught, and fruits unknown convey?
Alas, for Britain! fraught with guilt and woe,
Groans the o'erburden'd ship. The farewell sound
Rings mournfully. Father of Mercy, hear!
Chastis'd by labour, when the exiles earn
By their brows' sweat their bread, oh! may the tear
Of penitence drop on the soil, and turn
To blessing thy dread curse that smote the ground.
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