Samuel Taylor Coleridge — To Robert Southey of Baliol College

Southey! thy melodies steal o'er mine ear        &nbspLike far-off joyance, or the murmuring        &nbspOf wild bees in the sunny showers of Spring— Sounds of such mingled import as may cheer The lonely breast, yet rouse a mindful tear:        &nbspWak'd by the Song doth Hope-born Fancy fling        &nbspRich showers of dewy fragrance from her wing, Till sickly Passion's drooping Myrtles sear Blossom anew! But O! more thrill'd, I prize        &nbspThy sadder strains, that bid in Memory's Dream        &nbspThe faded forms of past Delight arise; Then soft, on Love's pale cheek, the tearful gleam Of Pleasure smiles—as faint yet beauteous lies The imag'd Rainbow on a willowy stream.