WRITTEN WHILE CROSSING THE LAKE OF GENEVA.
BY THE HON. AND REV. BAPTIST W. NOEL
SWIFT o'er these blue, and most transparent tides,
In gallant trim our bannered vessel glides;
From the cool north, a breeze just serves to make
Ten thousand thousand sparkles on the lake:
On either side, along the shores, are laid
Vineyards and lawns, with groves of deepest shade :
Above, yon mountain masses torn and riven,
Like thunder-clouds, invade the cloudless heaven;
While oft, those dark and shadowy lights between,
Far off, ice-peaks and granite spires are seen;
Enormous cliffs of everlasting snow,
Still freezing on in summer's fiercest glow.
Slow as the joyous vessel glides along,
The heart exults these glorious scenes among;
Then turns to Him who thus the earth has blessed, Thinks of Almighty love, and feels at rest.
Walthamstowe, near London.