Beatrice Before Death

THE day, from slumber waking, dawns most fair.O Helios!—thou that abhorrest night,Canst thou look down with radiance so brightUpon a world woe-darkened?—look, nor careWhat torments 'neath thy glorious beams prepareFor mortals whom relentless furies blight?Some young, perchance, who never knew delight,Some innocent, who long life's joys to share?

Forgive, O Heaven, if life I still desire!There is a thought can make stern Death my friend:Let me remember what man was my sire—I shall so long his part in me to fly,That with impatience I shall wait my end,And find it sweet, before I live, to die!