Book 2 — X[87:1]
Reading edition
TO ROBERT SOUTHEY
OF BALIOL COLLEGE, OXFORD, AUTHOR OF THE 'RETROSPECT', AND OTHER POEMS
Southey! thy melodies steal o'er mine ear Like far-off joyance, or the murmuring Of wild bees in the sunny showers of Spring— Sounds of such mingled import as may cheer The lonely breast, yet rouse a mindful tear: 5 Wak'd by the Song doth Hope-born Fancy fling Rich showers of dewy fragrance from her wing, Till sickly Passion's drooping Myrtles sear Blossom anew! But O! more thrill'd, I prize Thy sadder strains, that bid in Memory's Dream 10 The faded forms of past Delight arise; Then soft, on Love's pale cheek, the tearful gleam Of Pleasure smiles—as faint yet beauteous lies The imag'd Rainbow on a willowy stream.
January 14, 1795.