Sonnet XII (Boothby)

Well has thy classick chisel, Banks, express'd The graceful lineaments of that fine form, Which late with conscious, living beauty warm, Now here beneath does in dread silence rest. And, oh, while life shall agitate my breast, Recorded there exists her every charm, In vivid colours, safe from change or harm, Till my last sigh unalter'd love attest. That form, as fair as ever fancy drew, The marble cold, inanimate, retains; But of the radiant smile that round her threw Joys, that beguiled my soul of mortal pains, And each divine expression's varying hue, A little senseless dust alone remains.