Poem by Anna Seward

Sonnet 58. Not the slow Hearse, where nod the sable plumes

Not the slow Hearse, where nod the sable plumes,
    The Parian Statue, bending o'er the Urn,
    The dark robe floating, the dejection worn
    On the dropt eye, and lip no smile illumes;
Not all this pomp of sorrow, that presumes
    It pays Affection's debt, is due concern
    To the FOR EVER ABSENT, tho' it mourn
    Fashion's allotted time. If Time consumes,
While Life is ours, the precious vestal-flame
    Memory shou'd hourly feed;—if, thro' each day,
    She with whate'er we see, hear, think, or say,
Blend not the image of the vanish'd Frame,
    O! can the alien Heart expect to prove,
    In worlds of light and life, a reunited love!

1. Sonnet 78. Sophia tempts me to her social walls
2. Sonnet 36. Now on hills, rocks, and streams, and vales, and plains
3. Sonnet 17. Ah! why have I indulg'd my dazzled sight
4. Sonnet 89. Yon late but gleaming Moon, in hoary light
5. Sonnet 73. He who a tender long-lov'd Wife survives

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