Sonnet XXXI To the Departing Spirit of an Alienated Friend
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,
When yearning Fondness eagerly devours
Each moment of protracted life, his flight
The Rashly-Chosen of thy heart has ta’en
Where dances, songs, and theatres invite.
Expiring Sweetness! with indignant pain
I see him in the scenes where laughing glide
Pleasure’s light Forms;—see his eyes gaily glow,
Regardless of thy life’s fast ebbing tide;
I hear him, who shou’d droop in silent woe,
Declaim on Actors, and on Taste decide!