COMPOSED DURING A STORM
ONE who was suffering tumult in his soul, Yet failed to seek the sure relief of prayer, Went forth–his course surrendering to the care Of the fierce wind, while mid-day lightnings prowl Insidiously, untimely thunders growl; While trees, dim-seen, in frenzied numbers, tear The lingering remnant of their yellow hair, And shivering wolves, surprised with darkness, howl As if the sun were not. He raised his eye Soul-smitten; for, that instant, did appear 10 Large space (‘mid dreadful clouds) of purest sky, An azure disc–shield of Tranquillity; Invisible, unlooked-for, minister Of providential goodness ever nigh! 1819.