When Philoctetes in the Lemnian isle...

When Philoctetes in the Lemnian isle

Like a Form sculptured on a monument

Lay couched; on him or his dread bow unbent

Some wild Bird oft might settle and beguile

The rigid features of a transient smile,

Disperse the tear, or to the sigh give vent,

Slackening the pains of ruthless banishment

From his lov'd home, and from heroic toil.

And trustthat spiritual Creatures round us move,

Griefs to allay whichReason cannot heal;

Yea, veriestreptiles have sufficed to prove

To fettered wretchedness, that no Bastile

Is deep enough to exclude the light of love,

Though man for brother man has ceased to feel.