Composed By The Sea-Side, Near Calais

Fair Star of evening, Splendour of the west,

Star of my Country! on the horizon's brink

Thou hangest, stooping, as might seem, to sink

On England's bosom; yet well pleased to rest,

Meanwhile, and be to her a glorious crest

Conspicuous to the Nations. Thou, I think,

Should'st be my Country's emblem; and should'st wink,

Bright Star! with laughter on her banners, drest

In thy fresh beauty. There! that dusky spot

Beneath thee, that is England; there she lies.

Blessings be on you both! one hope, one lot,

One life, one glory! I, with many a fear

For my dear Country, many heartfelt sighs,

Among men who do not love her, linger here.

- William Wordsworth