Poem by Anna Seward

Sonnet 45. From Possibility's dim chaos sprung

From Possibility's dim chaos sprung,
    High o'er its gloom the Aërostatic Power
    Arose!—Exulting Nations hail'd the hour,
    Magnific boast of Science!—Loud they sung
Her victory o'er the element, that hung,
    Pressing to earth the Beings, who now soar
    Aerial heights;—but Wisdom bids explore
    This vaunted skill;—if, tides of air among,
We know to steer our bark.—Here Science finds
    Her buoyant hopes burst, like the bubble vain,
    Type of this art;—guilty, if still she blinds
The sense of Fear; persists thy flame to fan,
    Sky-vaulting Pride, that to the aweless winds
    Throws, for an idle Show, the Life of Man!

This Sonnet was written when the Balloon enthusiasm 
was at its height. 

1. Sonnet 53. The knell of Whitehead tolls!—his cares are past
2. Sonnet 87. Round Cleon's brow the Delphic laurels twine
3. Sonnet 7. By Derwent's rapid stream as oft I stray'd
4. Sonnet 13. Thou child of Night, and Silence, balmy Sleep
5. Sonnet 68. Well it becomes thee, Britain, to avow

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