by Coleridge · Cluster: Alienation · Outsider · Exile
Abstract
A sonnet hailing the exiled scientist-dissenter Priestley as a champion of Religion, Justice, and Nature against superstition and oppression; themes of reform, exile, and rational faith.
Connections
Archetypes: Prophet Themes & Concepts: Liberty Political Freedom, Reform, Justice Right and Wrong, Exile, Faith Forms & Genres: Sonnet
Testo integrale / Full text
Though rous’d by that dark Vizir Riot rude
Have driven our PRIESTLEY o’er the Ocean swell;
Though Superstition and her wolfish brood
Bay his mild radiance, impotent and fell;
Calm in his halls of brightness he shall dwell! 5
For lo! RELIGION at his strong behest
Starts with mild anger from the Papal spell,
And flings to Earth her tinsel-glittering vest,
Her mitred State and cumbrous Pomp unholy;
And JUSTICE wakes to bid th’ Oppressor wail 10
Insulting aye the wrongs of patient Folly;
And from her dark retreat by Wisdom won
Meek NATURE slowly lifts her matron veil
To smile with fondness on her gazing Son!
December 11, 1794.