Poems (Hornblower)/Sonnet (She fell asleep, and she was beautiful)
For works with similar titles, see Sonnet.
SONNET.
She fell asleep, and she was beautiful! An angel-smile on her pale lips reposed! Her soft blue eyes as tenderly were closedAs if with slumber's weary sweetness full:A languid charm was round her—on her brow Lingered the thoughts of heaven,—could this be death? If so, a prayer had closed her gentle breath,A prayer of faith and love:—the radiant glowOf youthful hope wears not a smile like this, Divinely happy:—she is past all fear, And all distress:—she lies upon her bierAs if she dreamt, and her dream was of bliss!If this be death—life in its loveliest bloom,May rival not the visions of the tomb!