Volume 2 — October, 1803 (3)

Composed October 1803.—Published 1807

Included among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; afterwards called, "Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.

The Poem

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When, looking on the present face of things, I see one man, of men the meanest too! Raised up to sway the world, to do, undo, With mighty Nations for his underlings, The great events with which old story rings Seem vain and hollow; I find nothing great: Nothing is left which I can venerate; So that a doubt almost within me springs Of Providence, such emptiness at length Seems at the heart of all things. But, great God! I measure back the steps which I have trod; And tremble, seeing whence proceeds the strength Of such poor Instruments, with thoughts sublime I tremble at the sorrow of the time. Note Contents 1803 Main Contents 1 2 5 10

Variant 1:

1845

... almost a doubt ... 1807

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Variant 2:

1827

... seeing, as I do, the strength 1807

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Note:

The reference is, of course, to Napoleon.—Ed.

Contents 1803 Main Contents