by Keats · Cluster: Unrequited Frustrated Love · Unattainable Beloved · Petrarchan Sonnet
Abstract
Political sonnet celebrating the imprisoned Leigh Hunt’s freedom of spirit (roaming with Spenser and Milton); liberty, friendship and the immortality of genius.
Connections
Topoi: Immortality Through Verse Themes & Concepts: Friendship, Artist and Society, Imagination Forms & Genres: Sonnet
Testo integrale / Full text
What though, for showing truth to flatter’d state
Kind Hunt was shut in prison, yet has he,
In his immortal spirit, been as free
As the sky-searching lark, and as elate.
Minion of grandeur! think you he did wait?
Think you he nought but prison walls did see,
Till, so unwilling, thou unturn’dst the key?
Ah, no! far happier, nobler was his fate!
In Spenser’s halls he strayed, and bowers fair,
Culling enchanted flowers; and he flew
With daring Milton through the fields of air:
To regions of his own his genius true
Took happy flights. Who shall his fame impair
When thou art dead, and all thy wretched crew?