Poem by Anna Seward

Sonnet 2. The Future, and its gifts, alone we prize

The Future, and its gifts, alone we prize,
    Few joys the Present brings, and those alloy'd;
    Th' expected fulness leaves an aching void;
    But Hope stands by, and lifts her sunny eyes
That gild the days to come.—She still relies
    The Phantom Happiness not thus shall glide
    Always from life.—Alas!—yet ill betide
    Austere Experience, when she coldly tries
In distant roses to discern the thorn!
    Ah! is it wise to anticipate our pain?
    Arriv'd, it then is soon enough to mourn.
Nor call the dear Consoler false and vain,
    When yet again, shining through april-tears,
    Those fair enlight'ning eyes beam on advancing Years.

1. Sonnet 87. Round Cleon's brow the Delphic laurels twine
2. Sonnet 13. Thou child of Night, and Silence, balmy Sleep
3. Sonnet 53. The knell of Whitehead tolls!—his cares are past
4. Sonnet 5. Ah, thankless! canst thou envy him who gains
5. Sonnet 15. The evening shines in May's luxuriant pride

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