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1762–1850

THE CONVENT.

William Lisle Bowles

If chance some pensive stranger, hither led, His bosom glowing from majestic views, Temple and tower‘ mid the bright landscape's hues, Should ask who sleeps beneath this lowly bed?

A maid of sorrow. To the cloistered scene, Unknown and beautiful a mourner came, Seeking with unseen tears to quench the flame Of hapless love: yet was her look serene

As the pale moonlight in the midnight aisle;— Her voice was gentle and a charm could lend, Like that which spoke of a departed friend; And a meek sadness sat upon her smile!—

Now, far removed from every earthly ill, Her woes are buried, and her heart is still.

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THE CONVENT. · William Lisle Bowles · Poetry Cove