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 41. Since dark December shrouds the transient day
2. Sonnet 32. Behold him now his genuine colours wear
3. Sonnet 89. Yon late but gleaming Moon, in hoary light
4. Sonnet 85. March, tho' the Hours of promise with bright ray
5. Sonnet 36. Now on hills, rocks, and streams, and vales, and plains

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