Felicia Hemans in The Literary Gazette 1823/Lines
The Literary Gazette, 21st June 1823
LINES.
The Sun that sheds his evening fire
On lonely Rura's vane-topped spire,
And sees the herdsmen entering there
The still, sequestered house of prayer;
That Sun shall oft at even-tide
Illume fair Rura's turret side,
While on the listening ear there swells
The chime of solemn evening bells.
And shall that lovely fine decay,
The hamlet's murmur die away?
Shall time becloud such beauties o'er,
And shepherds hear the bells no more?
That Sun will shine, some vesper hour,
On Rura's desolated tower,
The hamlet then a ruined spot—
The swains and temple all forgot!H.
Note: Felicia Hemans authorship has not been confirmed elsewhere but, in view of the previous week’s entries, it can’t be ruled out, and the poem is therefore included here. Knowing the whereabouts of Rura might provide some guidance.