Poems Consisting Of Essays, Lyric, Elegiac, &c. By Thomas Dermody. Written between the 13th and 16th Year of his Age |
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SONNET,
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SONNET,
TO LÆTITIA.
I.
Soft Syren of my soul! when first you smil'd,Insensibly, the shaft of Torment flew,
Each tender glance my flutt'ring peace beguil'd;
Nor yet, the Mistress of my heart, I knew.
II
Unknown, unseen, but not unfelt, thy charmsDid silently my simple breast subdue;
Trembling, and pale, I throbb'd with new alarms;
At last fond Nature pointed fair—to you!
III.
Comparing with the vision of my mindThy frame, I saw it match'd, but more improv'd,
Quickly, my flame to purest height refin'd;
Sadly, the unfrequented fields I rov'd,
Fed on thy angel-face, grew pensive, sigh'd, and lov'd.
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IV.
With envy, oft the cruel walls, I view'd,That held thee close, despairing, paus'd to weep,
Or, if I slumber'd by some chrystal flood;
Still, thy pure image floated on my sleep:
And often (ruthless Fancy!) did I seem,
To hang, entranced, o'er thy beauteous form,
And oft, I snatch'd Thee, thro' the midnight storm;
Or from the torrent sav'd, my boon a kiss,—
Then would the death-knell interrupt my bliss;
And sorrowing, would I wish, beneath yon Tree,
“Ah! that this last, last death knell toll'd for Me!”
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