Sonnet: After Dark Vapors Have Oppress'D Our Plains

After dark vapors have oppress'd our plains For a long dreary season, comes a day Born of the gentle South, and clears away From the sick heavens all unseemly stains. The anxious month, relieved of its pains, Takes as a long-lost right the feel of May; The eyelids with the passing coolness play Like rose leaves with the drip of Summer rains. The calmest thoughts came round us; as of leaves Budding -- fruit ripening in stillness -- Autumn suns Smiling at eve upon the quiet sheaves -- Sweet Sappho's cheek -- a smiling infant's breath -- The gradual sand that through an hour-glass runs -- A woodland rivulet -- a Poet's death.