THE SEA-SHORE. 189 



have always been the resort of the sand-martin and the 

 little piping plover ; in vain would I attempt to de 

 scribe the sentiments of mingled sadness, cheerfulness, 

 and sublimity, awakened by the varied objects that sur 

 round the great abyss of waters. When sadness comes 

 upon the mind, like a dark cloud over the vernal sun 

 shine, let me stroll by the seaside, and find a tonic for 

 the drooping spirits, in those sounds that have, for 

 countless centuries, spoken in the ears of man the 

 power and the wisdom of their Creator ! Let him who 

 is of thoughtless habit come here and ponder, until he 

 has learned that from these solitary musings, comes a 

 purer and more enduring pleasure, than from all the 

 frivolities of high life. For here by the sea-shore 

 nature shows forth the wonders of creation, along with 

 beauties and harmonies, that fill the soul with gratitude 

 and delight, and yield to him who wanders there, with 

 a devout spirit, a gladness that can spring only from 

 nature, and hopes that descend only from the skies. 



