OH ! ye who wander this famed fortress round,
Or caverns dark explore in depths profound;
Depths, where yon sun has never own’d a ray,
But darkness triumphs in despite of day;
Where hosts secure within its bosom bide,
Nor heed what storms assail the rock’s rude side;
Or now immerging into day’s bright beam,
Amazed and pondering on each wondrous theme,
Attention wrapt in scenes or strange or new,
Whilst ocean pours sublimely on the view,
Alas! thou beauteous vain and hapless flower,
Canst thou e’er hope regard in such an hour?
Save that some pensive moralist may bend
And say “Poor flower, thou art the prisoner’s friend.
“O ever-envied fate! to cheer his sight
“At early dawn, at noon, or closing night,
“To shed thy sweets around, and, ere they die,
“Blend their soft perfume with the prisoner’s sigh.”
Unequal contest in the feeling heart!
Still, still, will Nature win the wreath from Art.
‘Tis for the prisoner now alone he feels,
For him the silent tear unbidden steals;
The subterranean deep, the embattled tower,
The frowning fortress, fade before the flower:
Whilst those shall meet from ruthless Time their doom,
By Heaven’s hand planted, still shall PITY bloom.
(Mrs. Walter Spencer)
More Poetry from Mrs. Walter Spencer:
Mrs. Walter Spencer Poems based on Topics: Friendship, Flowers, Emotions, Art, Fate & Destiny, Night, Attention- The Royal Interview (Mrs. Walter Spencer Poems)
- Sub Rosa (Mrs. Walter Spencer Poems)
- To The Memory Of A Lady Of Distinction (Mrs. Walter Spencer Poems)
- The Myrtle Of South Wales (Mrs. Walter Spencer Poems)
- The Olive Wood (Mrs. Walter Spencer Poems)
- Sighs, (Mrs. Walter Spencer Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Night Poems, Friendship Poems, Flowers Poems, Art Poems, Fate & Destiny Poems, Emotions Poems, Attention PoemsBased on Keywords: moralist, immerging