Sonnet XLV.

[1]From Possibility's dim chaos sprung,         High o'er its gloom the Arostatic Power         Arose! - Exulting Nations hail'd the hour,         Magnific boast of Science! - Loud they sung      Her victory o'er the element, that hung,         Pressing to earth the Beings, who now soar         Aerial heights; - but Wisdom bids explore         This vaunted skill; - if, tides of air among,      We know to steer our bark. - Here Science finds         Her buoyant hopes burst, like the bubble vain,         Type of this art; - guilty, if still she blinds      The sense of Fear; persists thy flame to fan,         Sky-vaulting Pride, that to the aweless winds         Throws, for an idle Show, the LIFE OF MAN!     1: This Sonnet was written when the Balloon enthusiasm was at its height.