University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
The Poetical Works of the late Mrs Mary Robinson

including many pieces never before published. In Three Volumes

expand sectionI. 
expand sectionII. 
collapse sectionIII. 
expand section 
  
expand section 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
SONNET. THE TEAR.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  


120

SONNET. THE TEAR.

Ah! lust'rous gem, bright emblem of the heart,
That proudly scorns a borrow'd ray to share:
Whose gentle pow'r can break the spells of care,
And sooth with lenient balm the keenest smart.
Whether from holy friendship's vow profan'd,
Or the dire frenzy of unpity'd love;
Whether from cherish'd passion unrestrain'd,
Or the worst pang the jealous mind can prove:
Yet, if sad mem'ry, ling'ring o'er past love,
Calls thee, soft trembler, from thy crystal throne,
And sternly bids thy pearly incense flow,
E'en when the treach'rous phantom, hope, is flown:
How fickle are the gifts thy rays impart,
At once the balm and poison of the heart!