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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ELEGIAC SONNET: 74. THE WINTER NIGHT by CHARLOTTE SMITH

Poet Analysis

First Line: SLEEP, THAT KNITS UP THE RAVELL'D SLEEVE OF CARE
Last Line: I SHALL BE LAID, AND FEEL THAT LOSS NO MORE!
Subject(s): DEATH; DEAD, THE;

"Sleep, that knits up the ravell'd sleeve of care,"
Forsakes me, while the chill and sullen blast,
As my sad soul recalls its sorrows past,
Seems like a summons, bidding me prepare
For the last sleep of death[.] -- Murmuring I hear
The hollow wind around the ancient towers,
While night and silence reign; and cold and drear
The darkest gloom of Middle Winter lours;
But wherefore fear existence such as mine,
To change for long and undisturb'd repose?
Ah! when this suffering being I resign,
And o'er my miseries the tomb shall close,
By her, whose loss in anguish I deplore,
I shall be laid, and feel that loss no more!



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