On The Death Of J.c. An Infant Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: ABCC DDEEFGBBHH EEIIJKKBBLMNNDDKKOON NPPQQEEE| No more the flow'ry scenes of pleasure rife | A |
| Nor charming prospects greet the mental eyes | B |
| No more with joy we view that lovely face | C |
| Smiling disportive flush'd with ev'ry grace | C |
| - | |
| The tear of sorrow flows from ev'ry eye | D |
| Groans answer groans and sighs to sighs reply | D |
| What sudden pangs shot thro' each aching heart | E |
| When Death thy messenger dispatch'd his dart | E |
| Thy dread attendants all destroying Pow'r | F |
| Hurried the infant to his mortal hour | G |
| Could'st thou unpitying close those radiant eyes | B |
| Or fail'd his artless beauties to surprise | B |
| Could not his innocence thy stroke control | H |
| Thy purpose shake and soften all thy soul | H |
| - | |
| The blooming babe with shades of Death o'erspread | E |
| No more shall smile no more shall raise its head | E |
| But like a branch that from the tree is torn | I |
| Falls prostrate wither'd languid and forlorn | I |
| Where flies my James 'tis thus I seem to hear | J |
| The parent ask Some angel tell me where | K |
| He wings his passage thro' the yielding air | K |
| Methinks a cherub bending from the skies | B |
| Observes the question and serene replies | B |
| In heav'ns high palaces your babe appears | L |
| Prepare to meet him and dismiss your tears | M |
| Shall not th' intelligence your grief restrain | N |
| And turn the mournful to the cheerful strain | N |
| Cease your complaints suspend each rising sigh | D |
| Cease to accuse the Ruler of the sky | D |
| Parents no more indulge the falling tear | K |
| Let Faith to heav'n's refulgent domes repair | K |
| There see your infant like a seraph glow | O |
| What charms celestial in his numbers flow | O |
| Melodious while the foul enchanting strain | N |
| Dwells on his tongue and fills th' ethereal plain | N |
| Enough for ever cease your murm'ring breath | P |
| Not as a foe but friend converse with Death | P |
| Since to the port of happiness unknown | Q |
| He brought that treasure which you call your own | Q |
| The gift of heav'n intrusted to your hand | E |
| Cheerful resign at the divine command | E |
| Not at your bar must sov'reign Wisdom stand | E |
Phillis Wheatley
(1)
Poem topics: , Print This Poem , Rhyme Scheme
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