A River Scene

The river, bending to embrace the shore,
Beneath the bending willow finds her face;
Awake — arise, O child of earth! implore
The winds and breezes’ spirit grace.

The shadowy depths do kiss the sea’s advance,
Where swans like snowflakes drift upon the light;
This glorious dance, so sweet, enchants
With exuberance, the winds take flight!

For life shall give thee, moments bright and free;
From sunset heard, the ripples tell a tale;
Of every oblivion, the sweetest thee,
The river, flowing where the sun doth sail!

• William Hazlitt