ECCLESIASTICAL SONNETS

IN SERIES, 1821-22. PART II.

XXXII. EDWARD SIGNING THE WARRANT FOR THE EXECUTION OF JOAN OF KENT

          THE tears of man in various measure gush
          From various sources; gently overflow
          From blissful transport some--from clefts of woe
          Some with ungovernable impulse rush;
          And some, coeval with the earliest blush
          Of infant passion, scarcely dare to show
          Their pearly lustre--coming but to go;
          And some break forth when others' sorrows crush
          The sympathising heart. Nor these, nor yet
          The noblest drops to admiration known,                      10
          To gratitude, to injuries forgiven--
          Claim Heaven's regard like waters that have wet
          The innocent eyes of youthful Monarchs driven
          To pen the mandates, nature doth disown.