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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNETS ON EMINENT CHARACTERS: 2. BURKE by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE

Poet Analysis

First Line: AS LATE I LAY IN SLUMBER'S SHADOWY VALE
Last Line: SO MIGHT I CLASP THEE WITH A MOTHER'S JOY!'
Subject(s): BURKE, EDMUND (1729-1797);
As late I lay in slumber's shadowy vale,
With wetted cheek and in a mourner's guise,
I saw the sainted form of Freedom rise:
She spake! not sadder moans the autumnal gale --
'Great Son of Genius! sweet to me thy name,
Ere in an evil hour with altered voice
Thou bad'st Oppression's hireling crew rejoice
Blasting with wizard spell my laurelled fame.
Yet never, Burke! thou drank'st Corruption's bowl!
Thee stormy Pity and the cherished lure
Of Pomp, and proud Precipitance of soul
Wildered with meteor fires. Ah Spirit pure!
That error's mist had left thy purged eye:
So might I clasp thee with a Mother's joy!'



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