Lyre of the Sonnet, that full many a time Amus'd my lassitude, and sooth'd my pains, When graver cares forbade the lengthen'd strains, To thy brief bound, and oft-returning chime...
The knell of WHITEHEAD tolls! - his cares are past, The hapless tribute of his purchas'd lays, His servile, his Egyptian tasks of praise! - If not sublime his strains, Fame justly plac'd...
What bashful wildness in those crystal eyes, Fair Zillia! - Ah! more dear to LOVE the gaze That dwells upon its object, than the rays Of that vague glance, quick, as in summer skies...
Thy GENIUS, Colebrooke, faithless to his charge, Amid thy woods and vales, thy rocks and streams, Form'd for the Train that haunt poetic dreams, Naiads, and Nymphs, - now hears the toiling Barge...
Well it becomes thee, Britain, to avow JOHNSON's high claims! - yet boasting that his fires Were of unclouded lustre, TRUTH retires Blushing, and JUSTICE knits her solemn brow;...
Cou'd aweful Johnson want poetic ear, Fancy, or judgment? - no! his splendid strain, In prose, or rhyme, confutes that plea. - The pain Which writh'd o'er Garrick's fortunes, shows us clear...
Lo! modern Critics emulously dare Ape the great Despot; throw in pompous tone And massy words their true no meaning down! But while their envious eyes on Genius glare,...
My Angel Sister, tho' thy lovely form Perish'd in Youth's gay morning, yet is mine This precious Ringlet! - still the soft hairs shine, Still glow the nut-brown tints, all bright and warm...
I love to rise ere gleams the tardy light, Winter's pale dawn; - and as warm fires illume, And cheerful tapers shine around the room, Thro' misty windows bend my musing sight...
With lyre Orphean, see a Bard explore The central caverns of the mornless Night, Where never Muse perform'd harmonious rite Till now! - and lo! upon the sparry floor,...
Ah! might I range each hallow'd bower and glade Mus'us cultur'd, many a raptur'd sigh Wou'd that dear, local consciousness supply Beneath his willow, in the grotto's shade,...
O, EVER DEAR! thy precious, vital powers Sink rapidly! - the long and dreary Night Brings scarce an hope that Morn's returning light Shall dawn for THEE! - In such terrific hours,...