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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WRITTEN DECEMBER 1790 by ANNA SEWARD

Poet Analysis

First Line: LYRE OF THE SONNET, THAT FULL MANY A TIME
Last Line: WAKE WITH RAPT TOUCH THY GLOWING STRINGS NO MORE!

Lyre of the sonnet, that full many a time
Amused my lassitude, and soothed my pains,
When graver cares forbade the @3lengthened@1 strains,
To thy brief bound, and oft-returning chime
A long farewell! -- the splendid forms of rhyme
When Grief in lonely orphanism reigns,
Oppress the drooping Soul. -- Death's dark domains
Throw mournful shadows o'er the Aonian clime;
For in their silent borne my filial bands
Lie all dissolved; -- and swiftly wasting pour
From my frail glass of life, health's sparkling sands.
Sleep then, my Lyre, thy tuneful tasks are o'er,
Sleep! for my heart bereaved, and listless hands
Wake with rapt touch thy glowing strings no more!



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