Sonett-Forum

The three following Sonnets are written in the character of Werter; the sentiments and images chiefly, but not intirely taken from one of his letters.


Up this bleak Hill, in wintry Night's dread hour,
With mind congenial to the scene, I come!
To see my Valley in the lunar gloom,
To see it whelm'd.--Amid the cloudy lour
Gleams the cold Moon;--and shows the ruthless power
Of yon swoln Floods, that white with turbid foam
Roll o'er the fields;--and, billowy as they roam,
Against the bushes beat!--A Vale no more,
A troubled Sea, toss'd by the furious Wind!--
Alas! the wild and angry Waves efface
Pathway, and hedge, and bank, and stile!--I find
But one wide waste of waters!--In controul
Thus dire, to tides of Misery and Disgrace
Love opes the flood-gates of my struggling Soul.

SUBJECT CONTINUED.


Yon late but gleaming Moon, in hoary light
Shines out unveil'd, and on the cloud's dark fleece
Rests;--but her strengthen'd beams appear to increase
The wild disorder of this troubled Night.
Redoubling Echos seem yet more to excite
The roaring Winds and Waters!--Ah! why cease
Resolves, that promis'd everlasting peace,
And drew my steps to this incumbent height?
I wish!--I shudder!--stretch my longing arms
O'er the steep cliff!--My swelling spirits brave
The leap, that quiets all these dire alarms,
And floats me tossing on the stormy wave!
But Oh! what roots my feet?--what spells, what charms
The daring purpose of my Soul enslave?

SUBJECT CONTINUED.


My hour is not yet come!--these burning eyes
Have not yet look'd their last!--else, 'mid the roar
Of this wild STORM, what gloomy joy to pour
My freed, exhaling Soul!--sublime to rise,
Rend the conflicting clouds, inflame the skies,
And lash the torrents!--Bending to explore
Our evening seat, my straining eye once more
Roves the wide watry Waste;--but nought descries
Save the pale Flood, o'erwhelming as it strays.
Yet Oh! lest my remorseless Fate decree
That all I love, with life's extinguish'd rays
Sink from my soul, to soothe this agony,
To balm that life, whose loss may forfeit thee,
COME DEAR REMEMBRANCE OF DEPARTED DAYS!