LAMB'S EARLIEST POEM
Reading edition
MILLE VIAE MORTIS
(1789)
What time in bands of slumber all were laid, To Death's dark court, methought I was convey'd; In realms it lay far hid from mortal sight, And gloomy tapers scarce kept out the night.
On ebon throne the King of Terrors sate; Around him stood the ministers of Fate; On fell destruction bent, the murth'rous band Waited attentively his high command.
Here pallid Fear & dark Despair were seen. And Fever here with looks forever lean, Swoln Dropsy, halting Gout, profuse of woes, And Madness fierce & hopeless of repose,
Wide-wasting Plague; but chief in honour stood More-wasting War, insatiable of blood; With starting eye-balls, eager for the word; Already brandish'd was the glitt'ring sword.
Wonder and fear alike had fill'd my breast, And thus the grisly Monarch I addrest—
"Of earth-born Heroes why should Poets sing, And thee neglect, neglect the greatest King? To thee ev'n Caesar's self was forc'd to yield The glories of Pharsalia's well-fought field."
When, with a frown, "Vile caitiff, come not here," Abrupt cried Death; "shall flatt'ry soothe my ear?" "Hence, or thou feel'st my dart!" the Monarch said. Wild terror seiz'd me, & the vision fled.