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52

IV. SONNET.

[“On hope's alluring scenes tho' fortune frown]

On hope's alluring scenes tho' fortune frown,
“If love's gay radiance yield a transient light,
“Fearless of want, fearless of envy's might,
“I'll win the fairest guerdon of renown,
“Or pluck bright honour's wreath my verse to crown:
“Whate'er betide, whate'er my toil requite,
“Lead, glory lead! I'll soar a lofty flight
“Till loud acclaims my ravish'd senses drown,
“Till fame in Laura's heavenly smile appears.”
Thus vaunted erst the victim of desire—
But glory's meed no more his bosom chears,
With dying love the poet's lays expire:
The muse dissolv'd her lyric strain in tears,
When sorrow quench'd ambition's eager fire.