Written near a Port on a Dark Evening

Huge vapours brood above the clifted shore, Night on the ocean settles dark and mute, Save where is heard the repercussive roar Of drowsy billows on the rugged foot Of rocks remote; or still more distant tone Of seamen in the anchored bark that tell The watch relieved; or one deep voice alone Singing the hour, and bidding "Strike the bell!"

All is black shadow but the lucid line Marked by the light surf on the level sand, Or where afar the ship-lights faintly shine Like wandering fairy fires, that oft on land Misled the pilgrim--such the dubious ray That wavering reason lends in life's long darkling way.