Poems and Essays By the late William Caldwell Roscoe. (Edited with a Prefatory Memoir, by his Brother-in-law, Richard Holt Hutton) |
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IN DEJECTION.
I. |
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 | Poems and Essays |  |
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IN DEJECTION.
I.
When the fine framing faculty of Nature,
Striving by Beauty to contend with Death,
Adds to proportion perfect perfect feature,
Crimson complexion, and sweet-tuned breath,—
The cold physician with accustomed eyes
Sees the swift ensign of the conqueror
In glittering vision or quick flushes rise
To tell who hides behind the painted door.
Why this is common; so I too can smile,
And hide in mockery my frightful fears,
And with light laughter easily beguile
A sinful spirit washed with wasted tears;
But in my soul I hear a sullen cry,
A devil whispering, Despair, and die!
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