Poem by Anna Seward

Sonnet 66. Nobly to scorn thy gilded veil to wear

Nobly to scorn thy gilded veil to wear,
    Soft Simulation!—wisely to abstain
    From fostering Envy's asps;—to dash the bane
    Far from our hearts, which Hate, with frown severe,
Extends for those who wrong us;—to revere
    With soul, or grateful, or resign'd, the train
    Of mercies, and of trials, is to gain
    A quiet Conscience, best of blessings here!—
Calm Conscience is a land-encircled bay,
    On whose smooth surface Tempests never blow;
    Which shall the reflex of our life display
Unstain'd by crime, tho' gloom'd with transient woe;
    While the bright hopes of Heaven's eternal day
    Upon the fair and silent waters glow.

1. Sonnet 58. Not the slow Hearse, where nod the sable plumes
2. Sonnet 25. Fortunate Vale! exulting Hill! dear Plain!
3. Sonnet 45. From Possibility's dim chaos sprung
4. Sonnet 59. Lady, each soft effusion of thy mind
5. Sonnet 2. The Future, and its gifts, alone we prize

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