This passage reflects a profound appreciation for a rare and beautiful sunset reminiscent of a time when nature was untouched and pure. The author evokes imagery of 19th-century landscapes, capturing the essence of a wilderness that remains unspoiled. It suggests a nostalgia for an era when the relationship between humanity and nature was more innocent, and the divine was easily perceivable in the world around. The sunset serves as a symbol of simplicity and beauty that has largely faded from contemporary life.

However, the author also acknowledges the inevitable intrusion of civilization and empire into these pristine environments. The imagery of empire "penetrating and fouling" the beauty of the sunset highlights the tension between human progress and the loss of natural purity. This contrast serves as a commentary on the consequences of industrialization and expansion, ultimately suggesting that the beauty of the world is continually at risk of being overshadowed by human ambition and disregard for nature.