Sonnet on the Death of Richard West

Thomas Gray

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IN vain to me the smiling mornings shine,
   And red'ning Phobus lifts his golden fire;
The birds in vain their amorous descant join;
   Or cheerful fields resume their green attire:
These ears, alas! for other notes repine,
   A different object do these eyes require.
My lonely anguish melts no heart but mine;
   And in my breast the imperfect joys expire.


Yet morning smiles the busy race to cheer,
   And new-born pleasure brings to happier men:
The fields to all their wonted tribute bear:
   To warm their little loves the birds complain:
I fruitless mourn to him that cannot hear,
   And weep the more because I weep in vain.