Sonnet 2: The Future, and its gifts, alone we prize

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Title:     Sonnet 2: The Future, and its gifts, alone we prize
Author: Anna Seward [More Titles by Seward]

The Future, and its gifts, alone we prize,
Few joys the Present brings, and those alloy'd;
Th' expected fulness leaves an aching void;
But HOPE stands by, and lifts her sunny eyes
That gild the days to come.--She still relies
The Phantom HAPPINESS not thus shall glide
_Always_ from life.--Alas!--yet ill betide
Austere Experience, when she coldly tries
In distant roses to discern the thorn!
Ah! is it wise to anticipate our pain?
_Arriv'd_, it then is soon enough to mourn.
Nor call the dear Consoler false and vain,
When yet again, shining through april-tears,
Those fair enlight'ning eyes beam on advancing Years.

[The end]
Anna Seward's poem: The Future, and its gifts, alone we prize

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