Let me set my mournful ditty Those cruel wings, and thou wilt stay. I love all that thou lovest, Spirit of Delight! The fresh Earth in new leaves drest And the starry night; 20 25 Autumn evening, and the morn When the golden mists are born. 30 I love snow and all the forms I love waves, and winds, and storms, Everything almost Which is Nature's, and may be Untainted by man's misery. And such society 35 I love tranquil solitude, As is quiet, wise, and good; Between thee and me 40 What diff'rence ? but thou dost possess The things I seek, not love them less. I love Love-though he has wings, But above all other things, Spirit, I love thee Thou art love and life! O come! Make once more my heart thy home! 45 P. B. SHELLEY. 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 Is flashing round me, and a tone 15 How sweet! did any heart now share in my emotion. Alas! I have nor hope nor health, Nor that content, surpassing wealth, 20 25 And walked with inward glory crownedNor fame, nor power, nor love, nor leisure; Others I see whom these surroundSmiling 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 ; 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, With them I take delight in weal And while I understand and feel 5 10 My cheeks have often been bedew'd With tears of thoughtful gratitude. My thoughts are with the Dead; with them Their virtues love, their faults condemn, 15 And from their lessons seek and find My hopes are with the Dead; anon R. SOUTHEY. 20 229 THE MERMAID TAVERN I have heard that on a day 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— 5 10 15 20 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 SIR W. SCOTT. Welcome, proud lady.' 231 THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS One more Unfortunate Weary of breath, Take her up tenderly, Look at her garments Touch her not scornfully; Now is pure womanly. |