History & Politics
La Fayette
From Complete Poetical Works, ed. E. H. Coleridge (1912)
As when far off the warbled strains are heard
That soar on Morning's wing the vales among;
Within his cage the imprison'd Matin Bird
Swells the full chorus with a generous song:
He bathes no pinion in the dewy light,
No Father's joy, no Lover's bliss he shares,
Yet still the rising radiance cheers his sight--
His fellows' Freedom soothes the Captive's cares!
Thou, FAYETTE! who didst wake with startling voice
Life's better Sun from that long wintry night,
Thus in thy Country's triumphs shalt rejoice
And mock with raptures high the Dungeon's might:
For lo! the Morning struggles into Day,
And Slavery's spectres shriek and vanish from the ray!
Codex Note
Sonnet IV. December 15, 1794
Cite this poem
MLA
Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. “La Fayette.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/coleridge/162/.
Chicago
Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. “La Fayette.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/coleridge/162/.
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