by Coleridge · Cluster: Joy · Animals · Comic Verse Song
Abstract
Song from ‘The Fall of Robespierre’ asking where domestic peace is found: in a cottaged vale far from pomp and rebellion; peace, virtue, home, memory.
Connections
Topoi: Beatus Ille (Happy the Man Rural Retreat), Pastoral Retreat Motifs: Memory, Bells Themes & Concepts: Joy Forms & Genres: Comic Verse Song Historical References: French Revolution
Testo integrale / Full text
FROM ‘THE FALL OF ROBESPIERRE’, ACT I, L. 210
Tell me, on what holy ground
May Domestic Peace be found?
Halcyon daughter of the skies,
Far on fearful wings she flies,
From the pomp of Sceptered State, 5
From the Rebel’s noisy hate.
In a cottag’d vale She dwells,
Listening to the Sabbath bells!
Still around her steps are seen
Spotless Honour’s meeker mien, 10
Love, the sire of pleasing fears,
Sorrow smiling through her tears,
And conscious of the past employ
Memory, bosom-spring of joy.
1794.