by Coleridge · Cluster: Unrequited Frustrated Love · Unattainable Beloved · Petrarchan Sonnet
Abstract
An Ossianic imitation in which a fading lily by a vale’s stream becomes an emblem of transient youth and a lover’s voice that lingers as a moonbeam in the beloved’s dreams.
Connections
Topoi: Carpe Diem Motifs: Flowers, Wind, River, Moon Themes & Concepts: Transience, Romantic Love Forms & Genres: Lyric
Testo integrale / Full text
The stream with languid murmur creeps,
In Lumin’s flowery vale:
Beneath the dew the Lily weeps
Slow-waving to the gale.
‘Cease, restless gale!’ it seems to say, 5
‘Nor wake me with thy sighing!
The honours of my vernal day
On rapid wing are flying.
‘To-morrow shall the Traveller come
Who late beheld me blooming: 10
His searching eye shall vainly roam
The dreary vale of Lumin.’
With eager gaze and wetted cheek
My wonted haunts along,
Thus, faithful Maiden! thou shalt seek 15
The Youth of simplest song.
But I along the breeze shall roll
The voice of feeble power;
And dwell, the Moon-beam of thy soul,
In Slumber’s nightly hour. 20
1793.