University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
The Poetical Works of John Langhorne

... To which are prefixed, Memoirs of the Author by his Son the Rev. J. T. Langhorne ... In Two Volumes
  

expand sectionI. 
expand sectionII. 
collapse section 
  
  
collapse section 
  
SONNET CLXXIX.
  
  
  
expand section 


195

SONNET CLXXIX.

Tho' nobly born, to humble life resign'd;
The purest heart, the most enlighten'd mind;
A vernal flower that bears the fruits of age!
A chearful spirit, with an aspect sage,—
The power that rules the planetary train
To her has given, nor shall his gifts be vain.
But on her worth, her various praise to dwell,
The truth, the merits of her life to tell,
The Muse herself would own the task too hard,
Too great the labour for the happiest bard.
Dress that derives from native beauty grace,
And love that holds with honesty his place;
Action that speaks—and eyes whose piercing ray
Might kindle darkness, or obscure the day!
[OMITTED]