by Keats · Cluster: Ode · Nature vs Civilization · Pastoral Retreat
Abstract
A sonnet on the delight of a summer evening’s reverie in nature, musing on Milton and Sidney and rising on the wing of poesy; nature, poetic inspiration and patriotic memory.
Connections
Topoi: Pastoral Retreat, Poet as Prophet Motifs: Nature, Light and Dark Themes & Concepts: Imagination, Nationalism and Patriotism Forms & Genres: Sonnet
Testo integrale / Full text
Oh! how I love, on a fair summer’s eve,
When streams of light pour down the golden west,
And on the balmy zephyrs tranquil rest
The silver clouds, far - far away to leave
All meaner thoughts, and take a sweet reprieve
From little cares; to find, with easy quest,
A fragrant wild, with Nature’s beauty drest,
And there into delight my soul deceive.
There warm my breast with patriotic lore,
Musing on Milton’s fate - on Sydney’s bier -
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Till their stern forms before my mind arise:
Perhaps on wing of Poesy upsoar,
Full often dropping a delicious tear,
When some melodious sorrow spells mine eyes.