WHEN Philoctetes in the Lemnian isle Like a form sculptured on a monument Lay couched; on him or his dread bow unbent Some wild Bird oft might settle and beguile The rigid features of a transient smile, Disperse the tear, or to the sigh give vent, Slackening the pains of ruthless banishment From his loved home, and from heroic toil. And trust that spiritual Creatures round us move, Griefs to allay which Reason cannot heal; Yea, veriest reptiles have sufficed to prove To fettered wretchedness, that no Bastile Is deep enough to exclude the light of love, Though man for brother man has ceased to feel. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO THE POOR by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD A BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 9 by THOMAS CAMPION SATIRES OF CIRCUMSTANCE: 2. IN CHURCH by THOMAS HARDY TO A SISTER OF CHARITY by EDWIN GEORGE ALEXANDER SONNET FROM JAPAN: 2. THE SHRINE OF THE PILGRIM SANDALS by ADELAIDE NICHOLS BAKER LILIES: 21. ART NEEDS THEE by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) GLEANING by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN SONNET ON MOOR PARK: WRITTEN AT PARIS, MAY 10, 1825 by SAMUEL EGERTON BRYDGES |