Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ON A DEATH'S HEAD, by ELIZABETH TOLLET


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ON A DEATH'S HEAD, by                    
First Line: On this resemblance, where we find / a portrait drawn from all mankind
Last Line: For all that's beautiful or dear.
Subject(s): Love; Skulls


On this resemblance, where we find
A portrait drawn from all mankind,
Fond lover! gaze awhile, to see
What beauty's idol charms shall be!
Where are the balls that once could dart
Quick lightning through the wounded heart?
The skin, whose tint could once unite
The glowing red and polished white?
The lip in brighter ruby drest?
The cheek with dimpled smiles opprest?
The rising front, where beauty sate,
Thron'd in her residence of state;
Which, half disclos'd, and half conceal'd,
The hair in flowing ringlets veil'd?
'Tis vanished all! remains alone
The eyeless scalp of naked bone;
The vacant orbits sunk within;
The jaw that offers at a grin.
Is this the object, then, that claims
The tribute of our youthful flames?
Must amorous hopes and fancied bliss,
Too dear delusions, end in this?
How high does Melancholy swell!
Which sighs can more than language tell;
Till Love can only grieve or fear;
Reflect a while, then drop a tear
For all that's beautiful or dear.





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