Note 227:2 — Chapter VI
Reading edition
For instance, there is preserved in his handwriting a very neat transcript of the sweet and sad "Ode to Indifference," by Mrs. Greville, copied, probably at a time when something in its tone of plaintive imagination was attuned to his own feelings, and called up in him a response to the complaint.
Nor ease nor peace that heart can know, That, like the needle true, Turns at the touch of joy or wo, But turning trembles too.
And a desire to join in that prayer that the senses may be steeped in indifference, in which the poet says,
The tears which pity taught to flow, My eyes shall then disown, The heart, that throbb'd at others' wo, Shall then scarce feel its own. The wounds that now each moment bleed, Each moment then shall close, And tranquil days shall still succeed, To nights of soft repose. Oh fairy elf, but grant me this— This one kind comfort send; And so may never-fading bliss Thy flowery paths attend. So may the glow-worm's glimmering light Thy fairy footsteps lead To some new region of delight, Unknown to mortal tread. And be thy acorn goblet fill'd With heaven's ambrosial dew; Sweetest, freshest flowers distill'd, That shed fresh sweets for you. And what of life remains for me, I'll pass in sober ease— Half-pleased, contented will I be, Content—but half to please.