Sonnet 53: Written In The Spring 1785 On The Death Of The Poet Laureat

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Title:     Sonnet 53: Written In The Spring 1785 On The Death Of The Poet Laureat
Author: Anna Seward [More Titles by Seward]

Written In The Spring 1785.

The knell of WHITEHEAD tolls!--his cares are past,
The hapless tribute of his purchas'd lays,
His servile, his Egyptian tasks of praise!--
If not sublime his strains, Fame justly plac'd
Their power above their work.--Now, with wide gaze
Of much indignant wonder, she surveys
To the life-labouring oar assiduous haste
A glowing Bard, by every Muse embrac'd.--
O, WARTON! chosen Priest of Phoebus' choir!
Shall thy rapt song be venal? hymn the THRONE,
Whether its edicts just applause inspire,
Or PATRIOT VIRTUE view them with a frown?
What needs for this the golden-stringed Lyre,
The snowy Tunic, and the Sun-bright Zone[1]!

[Footnote 1: Ensigns of Apollo's Priesthood.]

[The end]
Anna Seward's poem: Sonnet 53: Written In The Spring 1785 On The Death Of The Poet Laureat

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