Sibylline Leaves (Coleridge)/Lines to W. L. Esq. while he sang a Song to Purcell's Music

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

LINES

To W. L. Esq. while he sang a Song to Purcell's Music.

While my young cheek retains its healthful hues,
And I have many friends who hold me dear;
L———! methinks, I would not often hear
Such melodies as thine, lest I should lose
All memory of the wrongs and sore distress,
For which my miserable brethren weep!
But should uncomforted misfortunes steep
My daily bread in tears and bitterness;
And if at death's dread moment I should lie
With no beloved face at my bed-side,
To fix the last glance of my closing eye,
Methinks, such strains, breath'd by my angel-guide,
Would make me pass the cup of anguish by,
Mix with the blest, nor know that I had died!