Book 2 — VER PERPETUUM[148:1]
Reading edition
VER PERPETUUM[148:1]
FRAGMENT
From an unpublished poem.
The early Year's fast-flying vapours stray In shadowing trains across the orb of day: And we, poor Insects of a few short hours, Deem it a world of Gloom. Were it not better hope a nobler doom, 5 Proud to believe that with more active powers On rapid many-coloured wing We thro' one bright perpetual Spring Shall hover round the fruits and flowers, Screen'd by those clouds and cherish'd by those showers! 10
1796.