227 STANZAS WRITTEN IN DEJECTION NEAR NAPLES The sun is warm, the sky is clear, The waves are dancing fast and bright, Like many a voice of one delight- I see the Deep's untrampled floor With green and purple seaweeds strown ; I see the waves upon the shore, 5 10 Like light dissolved in star-showers, thrown: The lightning of the noontide ocean 15 How sweet! did any heart now share in my emotion. Alas! I have nor hope nor health, And walked with inward glory crowned— 20 25 Smiling they live, and call life pleasure ; To me that cup has been dealt in another measure. Yet now despair itself is mild Even as the winds and waters are; I could lie down like a tired child, 30 Which I have borne, and yet must bear, Till death like sleep might steal on me, And I might feel in the warm air My cheek grow cold, and hear the sea Breathe o'er my dying brain its last monotony. P. B. SHELLEY. 228 THE SCHOLAR My days among the Dead are past; Where'er these casual eyes are cast, My never-failing friends are they, With them I take delight in weal And while I understand and feel My cheeks have often been bedew'd My thoughts are with the Dead; with them 10 Their virtues love, their faults condemn, 15 And from their lessons seek and find My hopes are with the Dead; anon Through all Futurity; Yet leaving here a name, I trust, R. SOUTHEY. 20 229 THE MERMAID TAVERN To a sheepskin gave the story— Sipping beverage divine, And pledging with contented smack The Mermaid in the Zodiac. Souls of Poets dead and gone What Elysium have ye known Happy field or mossy cavern- 25 J. KEATS. 230 THE PRIDE OF YOUTH Proud Maisie is in the wood, Walking so early; Sweet Robin sits on the bush 'Tell me, thou bonny bird, Who makes the bridal bed, The grey-headed sexton The glow-worm o'er grave and stone The owl from the steeple sing Welcome, proud lady.' SIR W. SCOTT. 231 THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS One more Unfortunate Weary of breath, Rashly importunate, Gone to her death! Take her up tenderly, Lift her with care; Touch her not scornfully; Gently and humanly; Now is pure womanly. 5 10 15 5 10 15 20 |