With subtle speculations, haply vain,

But surely less so than your far-fetched themes!


ON THE DEATH OF HIS MAJESTY (GEORGE THE THIRD)[396]

Composed 1820.—Published 1820

One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."—Ed.

Ward of the Law!—dread Shadow of a King!

Whose realm had dwindled to one stately room;

Whose universe was gloom immersed in gloom,