by Coleridge · Cluster: Swords and Weapons · Power and Corruption · Tyrant
Abstract
An unfinished ode invoking the Muses and underworld rivers against usurping tyranny (Napoleon), plus domestic and love fragments; classical machinery and political denunciation.
Connections
Topoi: Katabasis Descent Archetypes: Tyrant Themes & Concepts: Power and Corruption, Romantic Love Forms & Genres: Ode, Fragment Historical References: Greek Mythology, Napoleonic Wars the Navy
Testo integrale / Full text
O’erhung with yew, midway the Muses mount
From thy sweet murmurs far, O Hippocrene!
Turbid and black upboils an angry fount
Tossing its shatter’d foam in vengeful spleen —
Phlegethon’s rage Cocytus’ wailings hoarse
Alternate now, now mixt, made known its headlong course:
Thither with terror stricken and surprise,
(For sure such haunts were ne’er to Muse’s choice)
Euterpe led me. Mute with asking eyes
I stood expectant of her heavenly voice.
Her voice entranc’d my terror and made flow
In a rude understrain the maniac fount below.
‘Whene’er (the Goddess said) abhorr’d of Jove
Usurping Power his hands in blood imbrues —
? 1808. Now first published from an MS.
The singing Kettle and the purring Cat,
The gentle breathing of the cradled Babe,
The silence of the Mother’s love-bright eye,
And tender smile answering its smile of Sleep.
1803. First published from an MS. in 1893.
Two wedded hearts, if ere were such,
Imprison’d in adjoining cells,
Across whose thin partition-wall
The builder left one narrow rent,
And where, most content in discontent,
A joy with itself at strife —
Die into an intenser life.
1808. First published from an MS. in 1893.
ANOTHER VERSION
The builder left one narrow rent,
Two wedded hearts, if ere were such,
Contented most in discontent,
Still there cling, and try in vain to touch!
O Joy! with thy own joy at strife,
That yearning for the Realm above
Wouldst die into intenser Life,
And Union absolute of Love!
1808. First published from an MS. in 1893.
Sole Maid, associate sole, to me beyond
Compare all living creatures dear —
Thoughts, which have found their harbour in thy heart
Dearest! me thought of him to thee so dear!
1809. First published from an MS. in 1893.