CANCELLED PASSAGE OF THE ODE TO LIBERTY.
Percy Bysshe Shelley
[Published by Dr. Garnett, “Relics of Shelley”, 1862.]
Within a cavern of man’s trackless spirit
Is throned an Image, so intensely fair
That the adventurous thoughts that wander near it
Worship, and as they kneel, tremble and wear
The splendour of its presence, and the light _5
Penetrates their dreamlike frame
Till they become charged with the strength of flame.
***
TO —.
[Published by Mrs. Shelley, “Posthumous Poems”, 1824.]
1.
I fear thy kisses, gentle maiden,
Thou needest not fear mine;
My spirit is too deeply laden
Ever to burthen thine.
2.
I fear thy mien, thy tones, thy motion, _5
Thou needest not fear mine;
Innocent is the heart’s devotion
With which I worship thine.
***