by Coleridge · Cluster: Unrequited Frustrated Love · Unattainable Beloved · Petrarchan Sonnet
Abstract
A father’s blessing on his son Derwent’s betrothed, reviving the poet’s hope at the fulfilment of a son’s earliest wish in love. Themes: romantic/familial love, hope, fulfilment.
Connections
Themes & Concepts: Romantic Love, Marriage and Fidelity, Joy, Friendship Forms & Genres: Sonnet
Testo integrale / Full text
AFTERWARDS MRS. DERWENT COLERIDGE
Dear tho’ unseen! tho’ I have left behind
Life’s gayer views and all that stirs the mind,
Now I revive, Hope making a new start,
Since I have heard with most believing heart,
That all my glad eyes would grow bright to see, 5
My Derwent hath found realiz’d in thee,
The boon prefigur’d in his earliest wish
Crown of his cup and garnish of his dish!
The fair fulfilment of his poesy,
When his young heart first yearn’d for sympathy! 10
Dear tho’ unseen! unseen, yet long portray’d!
A Father’s blessing on thee, gentle Maid!
S. T. COLERIDGE.
16th October 1827.