"On the Death of J. C. an Infant"
By
Phillis Wheatley
Transcription, correction, editorial commentary, and markup by Students of Marymount University, James West, Amy Ridderhof
92
On the Death of J. C. an Infant.
1NO more the flow'ry scenes of pleasure rise,
2Nor charming prospects greet the mental eyes,
3No more with joy we view that lovely face
4Smiling, disportive, flush'd with ev'ry grace.
5The tear of sorrow flows from ev'ry eye,
6Groans answer groans, and sighs to sighs reply;
7What sudden pangs shot thro' each aching heart,
8When, Death, thy messenger dispatch'd his
dart?
9Thy dread attendants, all-destroying Pow'r,
10Hurried the infant to his mortal hour.
11Could'st thou unpitying close those radiant eyes?
12Or fail'd his artless beauties to surprize?
13Could not his innocence thy stroke controul,
14Thy purpose shake, and soften all thy soul?