Sonnet.

SONNET.

FORSAKE the sparkling eye of joy, On downy wing, oh! balmy sleep; Swift all thy gentle power employ, To close the eyes that weep.

Confin'd within their ebon cell, All thy terrific visions stay; Wide, where thy dreams of pleasure dwell, The ivory gates display.

The sickening heart thy powers release, From every felt, or threaten'd harm; Let former days return to bless, And fond illusions charm.

Whate'er of dear departed good, The pensive mourner can deplore; Thou may'st, in paths with pleasure strew'd, Kindly again restore.

There — bliss of youth! th' approving friend, And health, and dear parental love; Joys, which all earthly joys transcend, With the freed spirit rove.

Oh sleep! display thy visions fair, Where grief has sown its thorns within; Till death, dissolving mortal care, Shall realize the scene.