IN FRENCH FIELDS.
5
SONNET.
Sublime memorials of human pride,
Pyramids and tombs, of which the structures vast
Witness that Art in glorious ages past
With Nature for the mastery boldly vied;
Old ruined palaces where the Roman tried
His utmost genius, that his work might last;
Coliseum where to lions men were cast
And gladiators bravely fought and died;
Proud monuments all of every age and clime,
Ye are demolished, or are crumbling down
Under the look of the destroyer, Time.
Should I then murmur that beneath his frown
After two years, well measured, chime by chime,
Out at the elbows is my dressing gown?