Written Sept. 1791, during a remarkable thunder <br />storm, in which the moon was perfectly clear, while <br />the tempest gathered in various directions near the <br />earth. <br />WHAT awful pageants crowd the evening sky! <br />The low horizon gathering vapours shroud, <br />Sudden, from many a deep-embattled cloud <br />Terrific thunders burst and lightnings fly-- <br />While in serenest azure, beaming high, <br />Night's regent, of her calm pavilion proud, <br />Gilds the dark shadows that beneath her lie, <br />Unvex'd by all their conflicts fierce and loud. <br />--So, in unsullied dignity elate, <br />A spirit conscious of superior worth, <br />In placid elevation firmly great, <br />Scorns the vain cares that give Contention birth; <br />And blest with peace above the shocks of Fate, <br />Smiles at the tumult of the troubled earth.<br /><br />Charlotte Smith<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-lix-3/
