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 78. Sophia tempts me to her social walls
2. Sonnet 89. Yon late but gleaming Moon, in hoary light
3. Sonnet 36. Now on hills, rocks, and streams, and vales, and plains
4. Sonnet 82. From a riv'd Tree, that stands beside the grave
5. Sonnet 68. Well it becomes thee, Britain, to avow

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