Sonnet Vii. On A Calm Sea--Prospect. Poem by John Codrington Bampfylde

How pleasant 'tis to walk the silent shore,
When scarce the humming tide can reach mine ear!
Of scatter'd mist the Sun dispels the rear,
And birds of calm the distant wave explore;
And safe in craggy bay the bark doth moor,
Whose streamers proud and slacken'd sails appear
Deep in the glassy pool reflected clear:
And lo, the crew, all blythe, to part no more
From happy native fields, in artless rounds
Provoke the lively dance; the smiling main,
With shouts, and mirth, and merriment resounds:
So fares it with the breast of him, the Swain,
Who quits Ambition for Contentment's lore,
For joyful are his days, and near the shore.