English poem
When Youth his faery reign began
Ere Sorrow had proclaim'd me man; While Peace the present hour beguil'd, And all the lovely Prospect smil'd; Then Mary! 'mid my lightsome glee I heav'd the painless Sigh for thee.
And when, along the waves of woe, My harass'd Heart was doom'd to know The frantic burst of Outrage keen, And the slow Pang that gnaws unseen; Then shipwreck'd on Life's stormy sea I heaved an anguish'd Sigh for thee!
But soon Reflection's power imprest A stiller sadness on my breast; And sickly Hope with waning eye Was well content to droop and die: I yielded to the stern decree, Yet heav'd a languid Sigh for thee!
And though in distant climes to roam, A wanderer from my native home, I fain would soothe the sense of Care, And lull to sleep the Joys that were! Thy Image may not banish'd be-- Still, Mary! still I sigh for thee.
1794.
More by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
- What though the chilly wide-mouth'd quacking chorus
- When British Freedom for an happier land
- When they did greet me father, sudden awe
- When thou to my true-love com'st
- Where graced with many a classic spoil
- Where is the grave of Sir Arthur O'Kellyn?
- Who Had Declared His Intention Of Writing No More Poetry
- Why need I say, Louisa dear!