THERE is a bondage worse, far worse, to bear
Than his who breathes, by roof, and floor, and wall,
Pent in, a Tyrant's solitary Thrall:
'Tis his who walks about in the open air,
One of a Nation who, henceforth, must wear
Their fetters in their souls. For who could be,
Who, even the best, in such condition, free
From self-reproach, reproach that he must share
With Human-nature? Never be it ours
To see the sun how brightly it will shine,
And know that noble feelings, manly powers,
Instead of gathering strength, must droop and pine;
And earth with all her pleasant fruits and flowers
Fade, and participate in man's decline.
More verses by William Wordsworth
- Avaunt All Specious Pliancy Of Mind
- Hail, Zaragoza! If With Unwet Eye
- On A Celebrated Event In Ancient History
- Brave Schill! By Death Delivered
- By The Side Of The Grave Some Years After