Distant View of England from the Sea

Yes! from mine eyes the tears unbidden start, 
As thee, my country, and the long-lost sight 
Of thy own cliffs, that lift their summits white 
Above the wave, once more my beating heart 
With eager hope and filial transport hails! 
Scenes of my youth, reviving gales ye bring, 
As when erewhile the tuneful morn of spring 
Joyous awoke amidst your hawthorn vales, 
And filled with fragrance every village lane: 
Fled are those hours, and all the joys they gave 
Vet still I gaze, and count each rising wave 
That bears me nearer to my home again; 
If haply, 'mid those woods and vales so fair, 
Stranger to Peace, I yet may meet her there.