POMPEII. 121 



are always equal, easily accounts for the above 

 appearances ; the illuminated spot of water, nearest 

 the observer, would be the true place of the imaged 

 moon, and the reason why a second illumination is 

 seen at a distance may probably be, that a series of 

 new planes are being perpetually formed by the sides 

 of the wavelets, making, towards the spectator, ob- 

 tuse angles with the plane of the sea ; from these new 

 planes a series of images may be thrown upon the 

 eye of the spectator whenever their motion produces 

 an equality between the angles of incidence and re- 

 flection. For similar reasons any ripples which may 

 be raised in the line between the first and second 

 illuminated spots will present a series of temporary 

 corruscations. 



J. B. 



POMPEII. 



A PRIZE POEM, RECITED IN THE THEATRE, OXFORD: 

 BY REV. ROBERT STEPHEN HAWKER, 



AUTHOR OF "records OF THE WESTERN SHOR E," &C. 



How fair the scene ! the sunny smiles of day 

 Flash o'er the wave in glad Sorrento's bay ; 

 Far, far along mild Sarno's glancing stream, 

 The fruits and flowers of golden Summer beam, 

 And cheer, with brightening hues, the lonely gloom. 

 That shrouds yon silent City of the Tomb) 

 Yes, sad Pompeii ! Time's deep shadows fall 

 On every ruin'd arch and broken wall ; 

 But Nature smiles as in thy happiest hour, 

 And decks thy lowly rest with many a flower. 

 Around, above, in blended beauty shine 

 The graceful poplar and the clasping vine ; 

 Still the young violet,* in her chalice blue, 

 Bears to the lip of Morn her votive dew ; 

 Still the green laurel springs to life the while, 

 Beneath her own Apollo's golden smile ; 

 And o'er thy ftdlen glories beams on high, 

 The Beauty of the Heavens — Italia's sky ! 



* The violets of this district are proverbial for their abundance and beauty. 

 VOL. IV. — 1834. Q 



