SONNETS (1822)

TO MY MOTHER

1[22]

I have been wont to bear my head on high,
Haughty and stern am I of mood and mien;
Yea, though a king should gaze on me, I ween,
I should not at his gaze cast down my eye.
But I will speak, dear Mother, candidly:
When most puffed up my haughty mood hath been,
At thy sweet presence, blissful and serene,
I feel the shudder of humility.

Does thy soul all unknown my soul subdue,
Thy lofty soul that pierces all things through
And speeds on lightning wings to heaven's blue?
Or am I racked by what my memories tell
Of frequent deeds which caused thy heart to swell--
That beauteous heart which loved me, ah! too well.

2[23]

With foolish fancy I deserted thee;
I fain would search the whole world through to learn
If in it I perchance could love discern,