[COMPOSED AMONG THE RUINS OF A CASTLE IN NORTH WALES]
Composed 1824.—Published 1827
One of the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."—Ed.
Through shattered galleries, 'mid roofless halls,
Wandering with timid footsteps[402] oft betrayed,
The Stranger sighs, nor scruples to upbraid
Old Time, though he, gentlest among the Thralls
Of Destiny, upon these wounds hath laid 5
His lenient touches, soft as light that falls,
From the wan Moon, upon the towers and walls,
Light deepening the profoundest sleep of shade.
Relic of Kings! Wreck of forgotten wars,
To winds abandoned and the prying stars, 10
Time loves Thee! at his call the Seasons twine
Luxuriant wreaths around thy forehead hoar;
And, though past pomp no changes can restore,
A soothing recompense, his gift, is thine![403]
FOOTNOTES:
[402] 1837.
... footstep ... 1827.
[403] Compare The White Doe of Rylstone, canto i. ll. 118, 119 (vol. iv. p. 110)—
Nature, softening and concealing,
And busy with a hand of healing.