SONNET XVII. TO THE SAME. 8th June, 1800. AND further tell me, when the garish light To linger through the slowly fading even; Shall Hope and Fancy, long by Sorrow driven, To seek some solace by a timely flight, Own that meek patience hath not vainly striven To leave that busier world, where lawless might, And venom'd malice, fix the inward wound? Oh God, shall peace and thankfulness abound The more for sorrows past, and ills sustain'd? And as our souls drink in harmoniously Sounds felt like silence, all resentments die In grateful love, for joys and friends retain❜d. SONNET XVIII. Inserted in a Novel written by the Author, printed, but not published, called " Isabel.” 26th March, 1803. FAIN Would I say, withdraw, thou glorious beam, And shroud thyself in darkness! fain desire Those rocks, those meads, that wood, yon laughing stream, All nature's glowing graces to retire; For more than earthly to my heart they seem;- Yes, when I see that pomp of Nature, wrought Though sought in vain, a soul whose mutual thought May catch the gush of love which cannot speak; Rescuing the sigh that may not be subdued SONNET XIX. 26th March, 1803. THOU Cottage gleaming near the tuft of trees, Thou tell'st of joy more than I dare believe Falls to the lot of man; where Fancy sees, (For credulous Fancy still her dreams will weave) Him whose low fate no restless cares deceive, Blest by your smiles, pure as the mountain breeze; Love, Peace, Humility, whose ministries Sounds that awaken love's forgotten tear. SONNET XX. 30th March, 1803. Is not all nature smiling? Why should I And him the fervours of affection bless : SONNET XXI. 30th March, 1805. YE buds obedient to the breath of spring, "Tis that I ask on this polluted ground, For wells of living water! Spring-tide train, Urging a hopeless wish, 'tis thus ye wound, To seek the more for what I seek in vain.* the more because I weep in vain.-GRAY. |