Book 2 — II[80:1]
Reading edition
II[80:1]
BURKE
As late I lay in Slumber's shadowy vale, With wetted cheek and in a mourner's guise, I saw the sainted form of Freedom rise: She spake! not sadder moans the autumnal gale— 'Great Son of Genius! sweet to me thy name, 5 Ere in an evil hour with alter'd voice Thou bad'st Oppression's hireling crew rejoice Blasting with wizard spell my laurell'd fame. 'Yet never, Burke! thou drank'st Corruption's bowl![80:2] Thee stormy Pity and the cherish'd lure 10 [81]Of Pomp, and proud Precipitance of soul Wilder'd with meteor fires. Ah Spirit pure! 'That Error's mist had left thy purgéd eye: So might I clasp thee with a Mother's joy!'
December 9, 1794.
FOOTNOTES:
LINENOTES:
Title] Effusion ii. 1796: Sonnet vii. 1803: Sonnet ii. 1828, 1829, 1834.
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As late I roam'd through Fancy's shadowy vale MS. Letter, Dec. 11, 1794.
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She] He MS. Letter, 1794.
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Urg'd on with wild'ring fires MS. Letter, Dec. 17, 1794, M. C.
Below l. 14 Jesus College M. C.