A fragment

In darkness o'er the sea we steered, 
Nor land nor sunken rock was feared; 
Disturbing the calm no sound was heard, save
The murmuring of the dark deep wave;
When, lo! on a sudden, from east to west, 
Encircling the world like a golden vest, 
As if supporting Heaven's high choir, 
Was seen an arch of liquid fire, 
Ten times more wide, and more fervent in glow
Than the Rainbow's arch, or the Lunar Bow; 
Yet so thin in texture, that the sky's dark blue, 
With the stars, were seen shining distinctly through. 
An hour it stood with fearful span, 
To mock the wisdom and might of man - 
Then vanished for ever from mortal sight, 
And left the world enveloped in night. 
I need not add what conjectures now 
Were formed by our vessel's gallant crew - 
For Superstition long will reign,
​And rule the hearts that rule the main.