What is this prate of friendship? Kings discrowned Go forth, not citizens but outlawed men. If love has ceased to give a loyal sound, Let there at least be silence. Once again I go, proscribed, exiled, dominionless Out of your coasts, yet scorning to complain. I grudge not your allegiance nor my bliss, I yield the pleasure as I keep the pain. Rebellion's rights are limited though strong. The right to take gives not the right to give. Mine were the sole right and prerogative To give a title or forgive a wrong. This gift of friendship was not yours to bring. As I have lived in love I still will live Or die, if needs must, and without reprieve, Your lover yet, and kingdomless a king. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ALL RELIGIONS ARE ONE by WILLIAM BLAKE AUGURIES OF INNOCENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE A DIRGE (1) by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS TO ONE WHO DIED LAST YEAR by ANNA EMILIA BAGSTAD ASPIRATIONS: 12 by MATHILDE BLIND RECOGNITION by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN |