Sonnet. "Oh weary, weary world! how full thou art"

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Oh weary, weary world! how full thou art
  Of sin, of sorrow, and all evil things!
  In thy fierce turmoil, where shall the sad heart,
  Released from pain, fold its unrested wings?
  Peace hath no dwelling here, but evermore
  Loud discord, strife, and envy, fill the earth
  With fearful riot, whilst unhallowed mirth
  Shrieks frantic laughter forth, leading along,
  Whirling in dizzy trance, the eager throng,
  Who bear aloft the overflowing cup,
  With tears, forbidden joys, and blood filled up,
  Quaffing long draughts of death; in lawless might,
  Drunk with soft harmonies, and dazzling light,
  So rush they down to the eternal night.

© Frances Anne Kemble