THE SEA-SHOfeE. 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. 



