Poems (Hornblower)/Sonnet (She fell asleep, and she was beautiful)
For works with similar titles, see Sonnet.
SONNET.
She fell asleep, and she was beautiful!
An angel-smile on her pale lips reposed!
Her soft blue eyes as tenderly were closed
As if with slumber's weary sweetness full:
A languid charm was round her—on her brow
Lingered the thoughts of heaven,—could this be death?
If so, a prayer had closed her gentle breath,
A prayer of faith and love:—the radiant glow
Of youthful hope wears not a smile like this,
Divinely happy:—she is past all fear,
And all distress:—she lies upon her bier
As if she dreamt, and her dream was of bliss!
If this be death—life in its loveliest bloom,
May rival not the visions of the tomb!
An angel-smile on her pale lips reposed!
Her soft blue eyes as tenderly were closed
As if with slumber's weary sweetness full:
A languid charm was round her—on her brow
Lingered the thoughts of heaven,—could this be death?
If so, a prayer had closed her gentle breath,
A prayer of faith and love:—the radiant glow
Of youthful hope wears not a smile like this,
Divinely happy:—she is past all fear,
And all distress:—she lies upon her bier
As if she dreamt, and her dream was of bliss!
If this be death—life in its loveliest bloom,
May rival not the visions of the tomb!