One of the “Miscellaneous Sonnets.”—Ed.

Even so for me a Vision sanctified

The sway of Death; long ere mine eyes had seen

Thy countenance—the still rapture of thy mien—

When thou, dear Sister![58] wert become Death’s Bride:

No trace of pain or languor could abide 5

That change:—age on thy brow was smoothed—thy cold

Wan cheek at once was privileged to unfold

A loveliness to living youth denied.

Oh! if within me hope should e’er decline,