Written at the same place, on seeing a Seaman return <br />who had been imprisoned at Rochfort. <br />CLOUDS, gold and purple, o'er the western ray <br />Threw a bright veil, and catching lights between, <br />Fell on the glancing sail, that we had seen <br />With soft, but adverse winds, throughout the day <br />Contending vainly: as the vessel nears, <br />Increasing numbers hail it from the shore; <br />Lo! on the deck a pallid form appears, <br />Half wondering to behold himself once more <br />Approach his home--And now he can discern <br />His cottage thatch amid surrounding trees; <br />Yet, trembling, dreads lest sorrow or disease <br />Await him there, embittering his return: <br />But all he loves are safe; with heart elate, <br />Though poor and plunder'd, he absolves his fate!<br /><br />Charlotte Smith<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-lxix-3/
