Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ELEGIAC SONNET: 32. TO MELANCHOLY. WRITTEN ON BANKS OF ARUN, by CHARLOTTE SMITH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ELEGIAC SONNET: 32. TO MELANCHOLY. WRITTEN ON BANKS OF ARUN, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When latest autumn spreads her evening veil
Last Line: And soothe the pensive visionary mind!
Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Charlotte Turner
Subject(s): Melancholy; Otway, Thomas (1652-1685); Dejection


When latest Autumn spreads her evening veil,
And the grey mists from these dim waves arise,
I love to listen to the hollow sighs,
Thro' the half-leafless wood that breathes the gale:
For at such hours the shadowy phantom pale,
Oft seems to fleet before the poet's eyes;
Strange sounds are heard, and mournful melodies,
As of night-wanderers, who their woes bewail!
Here, by his native stream, at such an hour,
Pity's own Otway I methinks could meet,
And hear his deep sighs swell the sadden'd wind!
O Melancholy! -- such thy magic power,
That to the soul these dreams are often sweet,
And soothe the pensive visionary mind!





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