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SONNET ON CATHERINE WORDSWORTH, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Surprised by joy - impatient as the wind
Last Line: Could to my sight that heavenly face restore.
Variant Title(s): "desideria;transient Joy;""surprised By Joy-impatient As The Wind"";
Subject(s): Death - Children; Mourning; Wordsworth, Catherine (1808-1812); Death - Babies; Bereavement


SURPRISED by joy -- impatient as the Wind
I turned to share the transport -- Oh! with whom
But Thee, deep buried in the silent tomb,
That spot which no vicissitude can find?
Love, faithful love, recalled thee to my mind --
But how could I forget thee? Through what power,
Even for the least division of an hour,
Have I been so beguiled as to be blind
To my most grievous loss? -- That thought's return
Was the worst pang that sorrow ever bore,
Save one, one only, when I stood forlorn,
Knowing my heart's best treasure was no more;
That neither present time, nor years unborn
Could to my sight that heavenly face restore.





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