University of Virginia Library


83

SONNET XIII. INSANIENTIS DUM SAPIENTIÆ.

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The attribution of this poem is questionable.

Too long, alas! thro' Life's tempestuous tide,
Heedless of Heav'n, my giddy course I steer'd,
Link'd with the scoffing crew, nor ought rever'd
Great Nature's God: such erring dreams belied
My fancy, swol'n with unsubstantial pride:
While, uglier far than have been feign'd or fear'd.
Ten thousand phantoms to my sight appear'd,
And drew me darkling far from Truth aside:
But vigorous now, with eagle-ken restor'd,
By nobler means aiming at nobler ends,
To the mild bosom of its saving Lord,
Elate with ardent hope, my soul ascends;
While o'er the dreadful gulph, yet unexplor'd,
Religion's golden sun its evening-beam extends.