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SONNETS ON EMINENT CHARACTERS: 10. TO ROBERT SOUTHEY by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE

Poet Analysis

First Line: SOUTHEY! THEY MELODIES STEAL O'ER MINE EAR
Last Line: THE IMAG'D RAINBOW ON A WILLOWY STREAM.
Subject(s): SOUTHEY, ROBERT (1774-1843);

OF BALLIOL 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:
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
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.



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