Stanza, Written At Bracknell

Lyrics

[Composed March, 1814. Published in Hogg's "Life of Shelley", 1858.] Thy dewy looks sink in my breast; Thy gentle words stir poison there; Thou hast disturbed the only rest That was the portion of despair! Subdued to Duty's hard control, _5 I could have borne my wayward lot: The chains that bind this ruined soul Had cankered then—but crushed it not. ***