Perhaps the workings of defiance stir

Within me—or perhaps a cold despair,

Brought on when ills habitually recur—

Perhaps a kinder clime, or purer air,

(For even to this may change of soul refer,

And with light armour we may learn to bear,)

Have taught me a strange quiet, which was not

The chief companion of a calmer lot.

VII.

I feel almost at times as I have felt