University of Virginia Library


98

SONNET.

ACKNOWLEDG'D Son of Heaven's approving sire!
Whose hallow'd triumph over evil powers
Restor'd the prospect of those blissful bowers,
That human frailty lost! to that blest quire,
Who, with sweet harmony of soul, aspire
In troubled life's probationary hours
From torture's thorn to pluck immortal flowers,
And purify the heart with heavenly fire!
Gentlest of guides! whose form, in nature's vest,
To man a model of perfection gave!
Whose word, an antidote to every pest!
Revives the sorrowful, and frees the slave!
O teach my spirit, howsoe'er distrest,
To walk unsinking on affliction's wave!
Manfredi.