The complete poetical works and letters of John Keats/To George Keats: written in sickness

by John Keats

To George Keats

written in sickness

This is from a transcript by George Keats, and dated 1819 ; but Keats's letters do not disclose any sickness during that year which would be likely to call forth the lines, and the date is probably 1820, if indeed we are authorized to refer this poem to John Keats. It is not impossible that it was written by Tom Keats in 1818.

Brother belov'd if health shall smile again,
Upon this wasted form and fever'd cheek:
If e'er returning vigour bid these weak
And languid limbs their gladsome strength regain,
Well may thy brow the placid glow retain
Of sweet content and thy pleas'd eye may speak
The conscious self applause, but should I seek
To utter what this heart can feel,—Ah! vain
Were the attempt! Yet kindest friends while o'er
My couch ye bend, and watch with tenderness
The being whom your cares could e'en restore,
From the cold grasp of Death, say can you guess
The feelings which these lips can ne'er express?
Feelings, deep fix'd in grateful memory's store.