27.05.2007, 13:19
Written at Bignor Park in Sussex, in August, 1799
Low murmurs creep along the woody vale,
The tremulous aspens shudder in the breeze,
Slow o’er the downs the leaden vapors sail,
While I, beneath these old paternal trees,
Mark the dark shadows of the threatened storm,
As gathering clouds o’erveil the morning sun;
They pass! But oh! ye visions bright and warm
With which even here my sanguine youth begun,
Ye are obscured for ever! – And too late
The poor slave shakes the unworthy bonds away
Which crushed her! – Lo! the radiant star of day
Lights up this lovely scene anew – My fate
Nor hope nor joy illuminies – Nor for me
Return those rosy hours which here I used to see!
Low murmurs creep along the woody vale,
The tremulous aspens shudder in the breeze,
Slow o’er the downs the leaden vapors sail,
While I, beneath these old paternal trees,
Mark the dark shadows of the threatened storm,
As gathering clouds o’erveil the morning sun;
They pass! But oh! ye visions bright and warm
With which even here my sanguine youth begun,
Ye are obscured for ever! – And too late
The poor slave shakes the unworthy bonds away
Which crushed her! – Lo! the radiant star of day
Lights up this lovely scene anew – My fate
Nor hope nor joy illuminies – Nor for me
Return those rosy hours which here I used to see!