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 41. Since dark December shrouds the transient day
2. Sonnet 32. Behold him now his genuine colours wear
3. Sonnet 36. Now on hills, rocks, and streams, and vales, and plains
4. Sonnet 65. Marcellus, since the ardors of my strain
5. Sonnet 89. Yon late but gleaming Moon, in hoary light

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