by Coleridge · Cluster: Unrequited Frustrated Love · Unattainable Beloved · Petrarchan Sonnet
Abstract
A bitter sonnet denouncing Pitt as a Judas-apostate crucifying Freedom; invokes Mercy turned to wrath; themes of political betrayal, corruption, and Christ-imagery.
Connections
Archetypes: Christ Figure Motifs: Cross Themes & Concepts: Power and Corruption, Deception, Liberty Political Freedom Forms & Genres: Sonnet Historical References: Bible
Testo integrale / Full text
Not always should the Tear’s ambrosial dew
Roll its soft anguish down thy furrow’d cheek!
Not always heaven-breath’d tones of Suppliance meek
Beseem thee, Mercy! Yon dark Scowler view,
Who with proud words of dear-lov’d Freedom came — 5
More blasting than the mildew from the South!
And kiss’d his country with Iscariot mouth
(Ah! foul apostate from his Father’s fame!)
Then fix’d her on the Cross of deep distress,
And at safe distance marks the thirsty Lance 10
Pierce her big side! But O! if some strange trance
The eye-lids of thy stern-brow’d Sister press,
Seize, Mercy! thou more terrible the brand, 13
And hurl her thunderbolts with fiercer hand!
December 23, 1794.