Poem by Anna Seward

Sonnet 57. In the chill silence of the winter eve

 WRITTEN THE NIGHT PRECEDING THE [1]FUNERAL OF
MRS. CHARLES BUCKERIDGE.

In the chill silence of the winter eve,
    Thro' Lichfield's darken'd streets I bend my way
    By that sad mansion, where Nerina's Clay
    Awaits the Morning Knell;—and awed perceive,
In the late bridal chamber, the clear ray
    Of numerous lights; while o'er the ceiling stray
    Shadows of those who frequent pass beneath
    Round the pale Dead.—What sounds my senses grieve!
For now the busy hammer's stroke appals,
    That, “in dread note of preparation,” falls,
    Closing the sable lid!—With sighs I bear
These solemn warnings from the House of Woes;
    Pondering how late, for young Nerina, there,
    Joyous, the Love-illumin'd Morn arose.

1. In Lichfield Cathedral the funeral rites are performed early in the Morning. 

1. Sonnet 75. He found her not;—yet much the Poet found
2. Sonnet 1. When Life's realities the Soul perceives
3. Sonnet 90. My hour is not yet come!—these burning eyes
4. Sonnet 78. Sophia tempts me to her social walls
5. Sonnet 44. Rapt Contemplation, bring thy waking dreams

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