University of Virginia Library


xliv

TO MRS. ROBINSON.

[_]

This Sonnet appeared in the Oracle, 15th of October, 1798. Signed “Il manti timido.”

In dreary midnight's lonely hour,
When wretched lovers only wake,
Ten thousand tears fast dropping pour
And bathe this bosom for thy sake.
When morning's misty eye uncloses,
And gives the world another day,
For thee (more sweet than vernal roses)
Ten thousand sighs are breath'd away.
But he whose scalding tears are flowing,
Whose aching breast heaves many a sigh,
Whose soul with fondest love is glowing,
Must hide his heart's first wish, and die!