SONNET
.
INVITATION
TO
A
FRIEND
.
Since
dark
December
shrouds
the
transient
day
,
And
stormy
Winds
are
howling
in
their
ire
,
Why
com'st
not
THOU
,
who
always
can'st
inspire
The
soul
of
cheerfulness
,
and
best
array
A
sullen
hour
in
smiles
?
—
O
!
haste
to
pay
The
cordial
visit
sullen
hours
require
!
Around
the
circling
Walls
a
glowing
fire
Shines
;
—
but
it
vainly
shines
in
this
delay
To
blend
thy
spirit's
warm
Promethean
light
.
Come
then
,
at
Science
,
and
at
Friendship's
call
,
Their
vow'd
Disciple
;
—
come
;
for
they
invite
;
The
social
Powers
without
thee
languish
all
.
Come
,
—
that
I
may
not
hear
the
winds
of
night
,
Nor
count
the
heavy
eve-drops
as
they
fall
!