Sonnet X. To Mrs. G

AH! why will Mem’ry with officious care
The long lost visions of my days renew?
Why paint the vernal landscape green and fair,
When life’s gay dawn was opening to my view?
Ah! wherefore bring those moments of delight,
When with my Anna, on the southern shore,
I thought the future, as the present bright?
Ye dear delusions!–ye return no more!
Alas! how diff’rent does the truth appear,
From the warm picture youth’s rash hand portrays!
How fades the scene, as we approach it near,
And pain and sorrow strike–how many ways!
Yet of that tender heart, ah! still retain
A share for me–and I will not complain!