Poems, 1799 by Robert Southey
page 47 of 147 (31%)
page 47 of 147 (31%)
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Wanton around thy temples, on whose wing
I will not hover near! and at that hour When from its fleshly sepulchre let loose, Thy phoenix soul shall soar, O best-beloved! I will be with thee in thine agonies, And welcome thee to life and happiness, Eternal infinite beatitude!" He spake, and led her near a straw-roof'd cot, LOVE'S Palace. By the Virtues circled there, The cherub listen'd to such melodies, As aye, when one good deed is register'd Above, re-echo in the halls of Heaven. LABOUR was there, his crisp locks floating loose, Clear was his cheek, and beaming his full eye, And strong his arm robust; the wood-nymph HEALTH Still follow'd on his path, and where he trod Fresh flowers and fruits arose. And there was HOPE, The general friend; and PITY, whose mild eye Wept o'er the widowed dove; and, loveliest form, Majestic CHASTITY, whose sober smile Delights and awes the soul; a laurel wreath Restrain'd her tresses, and upon her breast The snow-drop [2] hung its head, that seem'd to grow Spontaneous, cold and fair: still by the maid LOVE went submiss, wilh eye more dangerous Than fancied basilisk to wound whoe'er Too bold approached; yet anxious would he read Her every rising wish, then only pleased When pleasing. Hymning him the song was rais'd. |
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