Page:Elegiac Sonnets and Other Essays The Second Edition.pdf/24

[  10    ] SONNET IX. LEST is yon shepherd, on the turf reclin'd,
 * Who on the varied clouds which float above

Lies idly gazing -- while his vacant mind
 * Pours out some tale antique of rural love!
 * Ah! he has never known the pangs that move
 * Th' indignant spirit, when, with selfish pride,
 * Friends, on whose faith the trusting heart rely'd,
 * Unkindly shun th' imploring eye of woe! The
 * ills they ought to soothe with taunts deride,
 * And laugh at tears themselves have forc'd to flow!

Nor his rude bosom those fine feelings melt,
 * Children of Sentiment and Knowledge born,

Thro' whom each shaft with cruel force is felt,
 * Empoison'd by deceit, or barb'd with scorn.

SONNET