Sonnet – High on a rock

High on a rock, coaeval with the skies,

A Temple stands, rear'd by immortal pow'rs

To Chastity divine! ambrosial flow'rs

Twining round icicles, in columns rise,

Mingling with pendent gems of orient dyes!

Piercing the air, a golden crescent tow'rs,

Veil'd by transparent clouds; while smiling hours

Shake from their varying wings--celestial joys!

The steps of spotless marble, scatter'd o'er

With deathless roses arm'd with many a thorn,

Lead to the altar. On the frozen floor,

Studded with tear-drops petrified by scorn,

Pale vestals kneel the Goddess to adore,

While Love, his arrows broke, retires forlorn.