Sonnet XXXI

TO THE DEPARTING SPIRIT OF AN ALIENATED FRIEND.

O, EVER DEAR! thy precious, vital powers

Sink rapidly!—the long and dreary Night

Brings scarce an hope that Morn's returning light

Shall dawn for THEE!—In such terrific hours,

When yearning Fondness eagerly devours

Each moment of protracted life, his flight

The Rashly-Chosen of thy heart has ta'en

Where dances, songs, and theatres invite.

Expiring Sweetness! with indignant pain

I see him in the scenes where laughing glide

Pleasure's light Forms;—see his eyes gaily glow,

Regardless of thy life's fast ebbing tide;

I hear him, who shou'd droop in silent woe,

Declaim on Actors, and on Taste decide!