0 Time ! who know'st a lenient hand to lay Softest on sorrow's wound, and slowly thence, (Lulling to sad repose the weary seme)
The faint pang stealcst unperceived away; On thee I rest my only hope at last, And think, when thou hast dried the bitter tear, That flows in vain o'er all my soul held dear,
1 may look back on every sorrow past,
And meet life's peaceful evening with a smile;— As some lone bird, at day's departing hour, Sings in the sunbeam of the transient shower, Forgetful, though its wings are wet the while:— Yet, ah ! how much must that poor heart endure, Which hopes from thee, and thee alone, a cure!
Bowles.
A calm at sea resembles that artificial sleep which is effected by opium in an ardent fever: the disease is suspended, but no good is derived from it. Denon.
And spight of pride, in erring reason's spight, One truth is clear, ' whatever is is right.'
Pope.
It is difficult to descend with grace without seeming to fall. Blair.
ECHO AND SILENCE.