To the Author of ‘The Robbers’

Schiller! that hour I would have wish'd to die,

If thro' the shuddering midnight I had sent

From the dark dungeon of the Tower time-rent

That fearful voice, a famish'd Father's cry—

Lest in some after moment aught more mean 5

Might stamp me mortal! A triumphant shout

Black Horror scream'd, and all her goblin rout

Diminish'd shrunk from the more withering scene!

Ah! Bard tremendous in sublimity!

Could I behold thee in thy loftier mood

Wandering at eve with finely-frenzied eye

Beneath some vast old tempest-swinging wood!

Awhile with mute awe gazing I would brood:

Then weep aloud in a wild ecstasy!