63. SUDDEN SICKNESS. 1845.
As city, near volcanic mountain's brow,
When heav'd by earthquake in its strongest wall,
Trembles, and seems just tott'ring to its fall;
Such seem'd my frame of clay beneath the blow.
'Twas Wisdom's way to make the suff'rer know
The lesson oft forgot, needful for all,
That fleeting life soon flies beyond recall,—
That heav'nly bliss is nigh or endless woe.
One day death's gloom seem'd settling on my head;