Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - I - I Saw The Figure Of A Lovely Maid

Part III. From the Restoration to the Present Times. I saw the figure of a lovely Maid Seated alone beneath a darksome tree, Whose fondly-overhanging canopy Set off her brightness with a pleasing shade. No Spirit was she; 'that' my heart betrayed, For she was one I loved exceedingly; But while I gazed in tender reverie (Or was it sleep that with my Fancy played?) The bright corporeal presence, form and face Remaining still distinct grew thin and rare, Like sunny mist; at length the golden hair, Shape, limbs, and heavenly features, keeping pace Each with the other in a lingering race Of dissolution, melted into air.