The Poetry Corner

Sonnet LXXXII.

By Anna Seward

From a riv'd Tree, that stands beside the grave Of the Self-slaughter'd, to the misty Moon Calls the complaining Owl in Night's pale noon; And from a hut, far on the hill, to rave Is heard the angry Ban-Dog. With loud wave The rous'd and turbid River surges down, Swoln with the mountain-rains, and dimly shown Appals the Sense. - Yet see! from yonder cave, Her shelter in the recent, stormy showers, With anxious brow, a fond expecting Maid Steals towards the flood! - Alas! - for now appears Her Lover's vacant boat! - the broken oars Roll down the tide! - What images invade! Aghast she stands, the Statue of her fears!