To Simplicity

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Sonnets attempted in the manner of Contemporary Writers (1736)
by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Sonnet II: To Simplicity

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A parody of Charles Lloyd. In Biographia Literaria Coleridge said that his intent with this piece was to expose the poetic sin of "low, creeping language and thoughts, under the pretence of simplicity." Robert Southey took offence at it, believing himself to be its target.

2000037Sonnets attempted in the manner of Contemporary Writers — Sonnet II: To Simplicity1736Samuel Taylor Coleridge

O! I do love thee, meek Simplicity!
For of thy lays the lulling simpleness
Goes to my heart and soothes each small distress,
Distress tho' small, yet haply great to me!
'Tis true on Lady Fortune's gentlest pad
I amble on; yet, tho' I know not why,
So sad I am!—but should a friend and I
Grow cool and miff, O! I am very sad!
And then with sonnets and with sympathy
My dreamy bosom's mystic woes I pall;
Now of my false friend plaining plaintively,
Now raving at mankind in general;
But, whether sad or fierce, 'tis simple all,
All very simple, meek Simplicity!

This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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To Simplicity

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