Darkling I sigh, and feed with dismal thoughts

My anxious mind, or sometimes mournful verse

Indite, and sing of groves and myrtle shades,

Or desp'rate lady near a purling stream,

Or lover pendant on a willow-tree.

Meanwhile I labour with eternal drought,

And restless wish, and rave, my parchéd throat

Finds no relief, nor heavy eyes repose:

But if a slumber haply does invade

My weary limbs, my fancy's still awake,