The Poetry Corner

Sonnet XXXVII. Autumn.

By Anna Seward

Thro' changing Months a well-attemper'd Mind Welcomes their gentle or terrific pace. - When o'er retreating Autumn's golden grace Tempestuous Winter spreads in every wind Naked asperity, our musings find Grandeur increasing, as the Glooms efface Variety and glow. - Each solemn trace Exalts the thoughts, from sensual joys refin'd. Then blended in our rapt ideas rise The vanish'd charms, that summer-suns reveal, With all of desolation, that now lies Dreary before us; - teach the Soul to feel Awe in the Present, pleasure in the Past, And to see vernal Morns in Hope's perspective cast. October 27th, 1782.