To Robert Southey of Baliol College

Southey! thy melodies steal o'er mine ear

       &nbspLike far-off joyance, or the murmuring

       &nbspOf wild bees in the sunny showers of Spring—

Sounds of such mingled import as may cheer



The lonely breast, yet rouse a mindful tear:

       &nbspWak'd by the Song doth Hope-born Fancy fling

       &nbspRich showers of dewy fragrance from her wing,

Till sickly Passion's drooping Myrtles sear



Blossom anew! But O! more thrill'd, I prize

       &nbspThy sadder strains, that bid in Memory's Dream

       &nbspThe faded forms of past Delight arise;

Then soft, on Love's pale cheek, the tearful gleam



Of Pleasure smiles—as faint yet beauteous lies

The imag'd Rainbow on a willowy stream.