Anna Seward

Sonnet LXII

Dim grows the vital flame in his dear breast

From whom my life I drew;—and thrice has Spring

Bloom'd; and fierce Winter thrice, on darken'd wing,

Howl'd o'er the grey, waste fields, since he possess'd

Or strength of frame, or intellect.——Now bring

Nor Morn, nor Eve, his cheerful steps, that press'd

Thy pavement, Lichfield, in the spirit bless'd

Of social gladness. They have fail'd, and cling

Feebly to the fix'd chair, no more to rise

Elastic!—Ah! my heart forebodes that soon

The FULL OF DAYS shall sleep;—nor Spring's soft sighs,

Nor Winter's blast awaken him!—Begun

The twilight!—Night is long!—but o'er his eyes

Life-weary slumbers weigh the pale lids down!