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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ELEGIAC SONNET: 27 by CHARLOTTE SMITH

Poet Analysis

First Line: SIGHING, I SEE YON LITTLE TROOP AT PLAY
Last Line: OPPRESS MY HEART -- AND FILL MINE EYES WITH TEARS!

Sighing I see yon little troop at play,
By Sorrow yet untouch'd, unhurt by Care;
While free and sportive they enjoy to-day,
"Content and careless of to-morrow's fare!"
O happy age! when Hope's unclouded ray
Lights their green path, and prompts their simple mirth;
Ere yet they feel the thorns that lurking lay
To wound the wretched pilgrims of the earth;
Making them rue the hour that gave them birth,
And threw them on a world so full of pain,
Where prosperous folly treads on patient worth,
And, to deaf Pride, Misfortune pleads in vain!
Ah! -- for their future fate how many fears
Oppress my heart -- and fill mine eyes with tears!



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