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1774–1843

SONNET XIV.

Robert Southey

Nymph of the splendent eye and rosy cheek, Who erst from courts and luxury didst speed, And with thine elder sister, Temperance, seek The woodbin'd cottage on the daisied mead;

There will I woo thee, for thou dwellest there Amid the sons of industry; thy smile Soothes every sorrow, cheers the hour of toil, And, blest by thee, sweet is their frugal fare.

When the woods echo with the early horn Thou trip'st the wild heath, clad in flowing vest, ( While youthful zephyr wantons o'er thy breast ) And, with blithe song, dost greet the blushing morn;

The airy sprite, who o'er thy fair form roves, Thy beauty tastes, and, as he tastes, improves.

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SONNET XIV. · Robert Southey · Poetry Cove