Methought I saw the footsteps of a throne
Which mists and vapours from mine eyes did shroud—
Nor view of who might sit[1] thereon allowed;
But all the steps and ground about were strown
With sights the ruefullest that flesh and bone 5
Ever put on; a miserable crowd,
Sick, hale, old, young, who cried before that cloud,
"Thou art our king, O Death! to thee we groan."
Those steps I clomb; the mists before me gave[2]
Smooth way; and I beheld the face of one 10
Sleeping alone within a mossy cave,
With her face up to heaven; that seemed to have
Pleasing remembrance of a thought foregone;
A lovely Beauty in a summer grave!
"The Sonnet that follows," referred to in the Fenwick note, is one belonging to the year 1836, beginning—
Even so for me a Vision sanctified.
See the note to that sonnet.—Ed.
VARIANTS:
[1] 1815.
... of him who sate ... 1807.
[2] 1845.
I seem'd to mount those steps; the vapours gave 1807.