METHINKS There's something lonely in the state of kings! None dare come near them. As the eagle, poised Upon his sightless throne in upper air, Scares gentle birds away, so kings (cut off From human kindred by the curse of power) Are shunn'd and live alone. Who dare come near The region of a king? There is a wall (Invisible, indeed, yet strong and high) Which fences kings from close approach of men. They live respected -- oh, that chest "respect!" As if the homage that abases others Could comfort him that has't. Alone -- alone! Prison'd in ermine and a velvet chair -- Shut out from hope, (the height being all attain'd,) Yet touch'd by terrors -- what can soothe a king! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON A VOLUME OF SCHOLASTIC PHILOSOPHY by GEORGE SANTAYANA LOVE'S SECRET, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE UPON THE DEATH OF MY EVER CONSTANT FRIEND DOCTOR DONNE, DEAN OF PAUL'S by HENRY KING (1592-1669) MAN AN' MOOSE by ROBERT ADAMSON (1832-) THE SOLITUDE OF SPACE by FLORA CECILE ALLISON PETITION OF A SCHOOLBOY TO HIS FATHER by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |