[Page 18]

BEREAVEMENT.

1 Whose was that gentle voice, that, whispering sweet,
2 Promised methought long days of bliss sincere!
3 Soothing it stole on my deluded ear,
4 Most like soft music, that might sometimes cheat
5 Thoughts dark and drooping! 'Twas the voice of Hope.
6 Of love, and social scenes, it seemed to speak,
7 Of truth, of friendship, of affection meek;
8 That, oh! poor friend, might to life's downward slope
9 Lead us in peace, and bless our latest hours.
10 Ah me! the prospect saddened as she sung;
11 Loud on my startled ear the death-bell rung;
12 Chill darkness wrapt the pleasurable bowers,
13 Whilst Horror, pointing to yon breathless clay,
14 "No peace be thine," exclaimed, "away, away!"
1793.

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Title (in Source Edition): BEREAVEMENT.
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Genres: sonnet

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Bowles, William Lisle, 1762-1850. The Poetical Works of William Lisle Bowles, Vol. I. With Memoir, Critical Dissertation, and Explanatory Notes by George Gilfillan. Edinburgh: James Nichol, 9 North Bank Street..., 1855, p. 18.  (Page images digitized from a copy held at the University of California Libraries.)

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