SAMUEL T. COLERIDGE
BENJAMIN DISRAELI




WILLIAM MORRIS

THE IDLE SINGER

Of Heaven or Hell I have no power to sing,
I can not ease the burden of your fears,
Or make quick-coming death a little thing,
Or bring again the pleasure of past years,
Nor for my words shall ye forget your tears,
Or hope again for aught that I can say,
The idle singer of an empty day.

But rather, when aweary of your mirth,
From full hearts still unsatisfied ye sigh,
And feeling kindly unto all the earth,
Grudge every minute as it passes by,
Made the more mindful that the sweet days die,--
Remember me a little then, I pray,
The idle singer of an empty day.

* * * * *

Dreamer of dreams, born out of my due time,
Why should I strive to set the crooked straight?