Poems (Hornblower)/Sonnet, to my Sister, Mrs. W. R.
SONNET,TO MY SISTER, MRS. W. R.
The many virtues which, with chastened light, Have made thy pathway lovely, and have shed A halo of bright hopes around thy head,Thrilling with heavenly thought and pure delightThy breast, amid the gloom of sorrow's night; Sweet soother of the ills that others share! And softly lightened every hour of care,Making each bright hour shine forth still more bright,Oh, not in vain I gaze on—and the years Of fond affection I with thee have past, Shall, in their sweetness, in my memory last,In the blest home another's smile endears;While thought of thee shall often there inspireDuty's calm toil, and virtue's high desire!