Sonnet XXXI: To the Departing Spirit of an Alienated Friend

O, EVER DEAR! thy precious, vital powers
Sink rapidly!--the long and dreary Night
Brings scarce an hope that Morn's returning light
Shall dawn for THEE!--In such terrific hours,
When yearning Fondness eagerly devours
Each moment of protracted life, his flight
The Rashly-Chosen of thy heart has ta'en
Where dances, songs, and theatres invite.
EXPIRING SWEETNESS! with indignant pain
I see him in the scenes where laughing glide
Pleasure's light Forms;--see his eyes gaily glow,
Regardless of thy life's fast ebbing tide;
I hear him, who shou'd droop in silent woe,
Declaim on Actors, and on Taste decide!