The Complete Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley — Volume 2 by Percy Bysshe Shelley
page 37 of 374 (09%)
page 37 of 374 (09%)
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That wax and wane in lovers' eyes--
Thou--that to human thought art nourishment, Like darkness to a dying flame! _45 Depart not as thy shadow came Depart not--lest the grave should be, Like life and fear, a dark reality. 5. While yet a boy I sought for ghosts, and sped Through many a listening chamber, cave and ruin, _50 And starlight wood, with fearful steps pursuing Hopes of high talk with the departed dead. I called on poisonous names with which our youth is fed; I was not heard--I saw them not-- When musing deeply on the lot _55 Of life, at that sweet time when winds are wooing All vital things that wake to bring News of birds and blossoming,-- Sudden, thy shadow fell on me; I shrieked, and clasped my hands in ecstasy! _60 6. I vowed that I would dedicate my powers To thee and thine--have I not kept the vow? With beating heart and streaming eyes, even now I call the phantoms of a thousand hours Each from his voiceless grave: they have in visioned bowers _65 Of studious zeal or love's delight Outwatched with me the envious night-- They know that never joy illumed my brow |
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