Charlotte Turner Smith
          
Elegiac sonnets. Volume 1 of 2
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SONNET XXXI.

WRITTEN ON FARM WOOD, SOUTH DOWNS, IN MAY 1784.
SPRING's dewy hand on this fair summit weaves
         The downy grass, with tufts of Alpine flowers,

[Note:] SONNET XXXI.
Line 2.
'Alpine flowers.'
An infinite variety of plants are found on these hills, particularly about this spot: many forts of Orchis and Cistus of singular beauty, with several others.


And shades the beechen slopes with tender leaves,
         And leads the shepherd to his upland bowers,
Strewn with wild thyme; while flow-descending showers,
         Feed the green ear, and nurse the future sheaves!
         Ah! blest the hind whom no sad thought bereaves
Of the gay Season's pleasures! All his hours
To wholesome labour given, or thoughtless mirth;
         No pangs of sorrow past, or coming dread,
Bend his unconscious spirit down to earth,
         Or chase clam slumbers from his careless head!
Ah! what to me can those dear days restore,
When scenes could charm, that now I taste no more!
 
 
 
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