ELEGIAC SONNET: 77. TO THE INSECT OF THE GOSSAMER by CHARLOTTE SMITH

Small, viewless AEronaut, that by the line
Of Gossamer suspended, in mid air
Float'st on a sun beam -- Living Atom, where
Ends thy breeze-guided voyage; -- with what design
In AEther dost thou launch thy form minute,
Mocking the eye? -- Alas! before the veil
Of denser clouds shall hide thee, the pursuit
Of the keen Swift may end thy fairy sail! --
Thus on the golden thread that Fancy weaves
Buoyant, as Hope's illusive flattery breathes,
The young and visionary Poet leaves
Life's dull realities, while sevenfold wreaths
Of rainbow-light around his head revolve.
Ah! soon at Sorrow's touch the radiant dreams dissolve!

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