| Hunt and Lee, comps. The Book of the Sonnet. 1867. | | | | V. Sabbath Sonnet | | By Mrs. Felicia Dorothea Hemans (1793–1835) |
| | (Composed a few days before her death, and dedicated to her brother) |
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HOW many blessed groups this hour are bending, | |
| Through England’s primrose meadow-paths, their way | |
| Towards spire and tower, ’midst shadowy elms ascending, | |
| Whence the sweet chimes proclaim the hallowed day! | |
| The halls from old heroic ages gray | 5 |
| Pour their fair children forth; and hamlets low, | |
| With whose thick orchard-blooms the soft winds play, | |
| Send out their inmates in a happy flow, | |
| Like a freed vernal stream. I may not tread | |
| With them those pathways,—to the feverish bed | 10 |
| Of sickness bound;—yet, O my God! I bless | |
| Thy mercy, that with Sabbath peace hath filled | |
| My chastened heart, and all its throbbings stilled | |
| To one deep calm of lowliest thankfulness! | | | |
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