Penny Dreadfuls, 1812 · page 181 of 258
Psyche, and other poems — page 181: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a complete sonnet titled simply "SONNET," printed as running verse rather than as an illustration or title page. The poem meditates on approaching death, the fading of hopes and youthful promises, and the speaker's eventual acceptance of rest after a life spent in vain pursuit and sorrowful longing. The tone is melancholic and reflective, typical of sentimental Victorian verse.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
SONNET, As nearer.I approach that fatal day Which makes all mortal cares appear so light, Time seems on swifter wing to speed his flight, And Hope’s fallacious visions fade away ; While to my fond desires, at length, I say, Behold, how quickly melted from your sight | The promised objects you esteemed so bright, When loye was all your song, and life looked gay! Now let us rest in peacé! those hours are past, And with them, all the agitating train By which hope led the wandering cheated soul ;’ Wearied, she seeks repose, and owns at last , _ How sighs, and tears, and youth, were spent in vain, While languishing she mourned in folly’s sad cantrol. R2 ConniEloookks.Gomn