Sir William Jones (1746–1794)

Translation

BLUE crystal vault and elemental fires

That in the aerial fluid blaze and breathe!

Thou tossing sea, whose snaky branches wreath

This pensile orb with intertwisted gyves;—

Mountains whose lofty radiant spires

Presumptuous rear their summits to the skies;

Smooth meads and lawns that glow with vergant dyes

Of dew-bespangled leaves and blossoms bright!

Hence! vanish from my sight:

Delusive pictures! Unsubstantial shows!

My soul absorbed, one only Being knows;

Of all perceptions one abundant source;

Whence every object every moment flows:

Suns hence derive their force;

Hence planets learn their course;

But suns and fading worlds I view no more:

God only I perceive; God only I adore.