Poem by Anna Seward

Sonnet 17. Ah! why have I indulg'd my dazzled sight

Ah! why have I indulg'd my dazzled sight
    With scenes in Hope's delusive mirror shown?
    Scenes, that too seldom human Life has known
    In kind accomplishment;—but O! how bright
The rays, that gilded them with varied light
    Alternate! oft swift flashing on the boon
    That might at Fame's immortal shrine be won;
    Then shining soft on tender Love's delight.—
Now, with stern hand, Fate draws the sable veil
    O'er the frail glass!—Hope, as she turns away,
    The darken'd crystal drops.——Heavy and pale,
Rain-pouring clouds quench all the darts of day;
    Low mourns the wind along the gloomy dale,
    And tolls the Death-bell in the pausing gale.

1. Sonnet 53. The knell of Whitehead tolls!—his cares are past
2. Sonnet 15. The evening shines in May's luxuriant pride
3. Sonnet 87. Round Cleon's brow the Delphic laurels twine
4. Sonnet 45. From Possibility's dim chaos sprung
5. Sonnet 48. Now young-ey'd Spring, on gentle breezes borne

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