stardust

"ELEGY." Imitated from One of Akenside´s Blank-Verse Inscriptions. Author: S. Taylor Coleridge.

Near the lone pile with ivy overspread,
Fast by the rivulet´s sleep-persuading sound,
Where ´sleeps the moonlight´on yon verdant bed-
O humbly press that consecrated ground!!

For there does Edmund rest, the learned swain!!
And there his spirit most delights to rove:
Young Edmund!! famed for each harmonious strain,
And the sore wounds of ill-requited love.

Like some tall tree that spreads its branches wide,
And loads the west-wind with its soft perfume,
His manhood blossomed: till the faithless pride
Of fair Matilda sank him to the tomb.

But soon did righteous Heaven her guilt pursue!!
Where´er with wildered step she wandered pale,
Still Edmund´s image rose to blast her view,
Still Edmund´s voice accused her in each gale.

With keen regret, and conscious guilt´s alarms,
Amid the pomp of affluence she pined;
Nor all that lured her faith from Edmund´s arms
Could lull the wakeful horror of her mind.

Go, Traveller!! tell the tale with sorrow fraught:
Some tearful maid perchance, or blooming youth,
May hold it in remembrance; and be taught
That riches cannot pay for Love or Truth.

"ELEGY" by Author: S. Taylor Coleridge.