Poems (Hornblower)/Sonnet, to a Friend, on the Death of a Brother
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SONNET,
TO A FRIEND, ON THE DEATH OF A BROTHER.
And thou hast proved how vain are mortal ties,
The best and sweetest—to the silent grave
Thy thoughts have followed one thou couldst not save;
Life's first affections, holiest charities,
Broken by death's cold hand—while from thine eyes
The loved of years has vanished like a shade
Of the past silent night—yet shall not fade
Thy hope, or thy affection.—The bright skies,
And radiant heaven, where thy departed one
Sits smiling in his innocence and youth,
Received thy vows of piety and truth,
Ere he had put his robe of glory on;
And now thy treasure is indeed above,
Devotion's holiest glow, mingling with human love
The best and sweetest—to the silent grave
Thy thoughts have followed one thou couldst not save;
Life's first affections, holiest charities,
Broken by death's cold hand—while from thine eyes
The loved of years has vanished like a shade
Of the past silent night—yet shall not fade
Thy hope, or thy affection.—The bright skies,
And radiant heaven, where thy departed one
Sits smiling in his innocence and youth,
Received thy vows of piety and truth,
Ere he had put his robe of glory on;
And now thy treasure is indeed above,
Devotion's holiest glow, mingling with human love