The Poetical Works of Anna Seward With Extracts from her Literary Correspondence. Edited by Walter Scott ... In Three Volumes |
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 | The Poetical Works of Anna Seward |  |
187
SONNET LXVI.
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.
| The Poetical Works of Anna Seward | |