Sonnet to my beloved daughter

WHEN FATE in ruthless rage assail'd my breast,

And Heaven relentless seal'd the harsh decree;

HOPE, placid soother of the mind distress'd;

To calm my rending sorrows­gave me THEE.

In all the charms of innocence array'd,

'Tis thine to sprinkle patience on my woes;

As from thy voice celestial comfort flows,

Glancing bright lustre o'er each dreary shade.

Still may thy growing REASON's light divine,

Illume with joy my melancholy bow'rs;

Still may the beams of sacred VIRTUE shine,

To deck thy spring of youth with thornless flow'rs;

So shall their splendid attributes combine,

To shed soft sunshine on MY WINTRY HOURS.