Page:The works of Anna Laetitia Barbauld volume 1.djvu/402

318 He saw the struggling beams of infant light Shoot through the massy gloom of ancient night; His spirit hushed the' elemental strife, And brooded o'er the kindling seeds of life: Seasons and months began their long procession, And measured o'er the year in bright succession. The joyful sun sprung up the' ethereal way, Strong as a giant, as a bridegroom gay; And the pale moon diffused her shadowy light Superior o'er the dusky brow of night; Ten thousand glittering lamps the skies adorning, Numerous as dew-drops from the womb of morning. Earth's blooming face with rising flowers he drest, And spread a verdant mantle o'er her breast; Then from the hollow of his hand he pours The circling water round her winding shores, The new-born world in their cool arms embracing, And with soft murmurs still her banks caressing.