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“THERE IS A BONDAGE WORSE, FAR WORSE, TO BEAR”

Composed possibly in 1803.—­Published 1807

Included among the “Sonnets dedicated to Liberty”; renamed in 1845,
“Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty.”—­Ed.

  There is a bondage worse, far worse, to bear [1]
  Than his who breathes, by roof, and floor, and wall,
  Pent in, a Tyrant’s solitary Thrall: 
  ’Tis his who walks about in the open air,
  One of a Nation who, henceforth, must wear 5
  Their fetters in their souls.  For who could be,
  Who, even the best, in such condition, free
  From self-reproach, reproach that [2] he must share
  With Human-nature?  Never be it ours
  To see the sun how brightly it will shine, 10
  And know that noble feelings, manly powers,
  Instead of gathering strength, must droop and pine;
  And earth with all her pleasant fruits and flowers
  Fade, and participate in man’s decline.

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VARIANTS ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1: 

1827.

  ... which is worse to bear 1807.]

[Variant 2: 

1837.

  ... which ... 1807.]

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OCTOBER, 1803 (#2)

Composed October 1803.—­Published 1807

This was one of the “Sonnets dedicated to Liberty”; afterwards called,
“Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty.”—­Ed.

  These times strike [1] monied worldlings with dismay: 
  Even rich men, brave by nature, taint the air
  With words of apprehension and despair: 
  While tens of thousands, thinking on the affray,
  Men unto whom sufficient for the day 5
  And minds not stinted or unfilled are given,
  Sound, healthy, children of the God of heaven,
  Are cheerful as the rising sun in May. 
  What do we gather hence but firmer faith
  That every gift of noble origin 10
  Is breathed upon by Hope’s perpetual breath;
  That virtue and the faculties within
  Are vital,—­and that riches are akin
  To fear, to change, to cowardice, and death?

* * * * *

VARIANT ON THE TEXT

[Variant 1: 

1837.

  ... touch ... 1807.]

* * * * *

“ENGLAND!  THE TIME IS COME WHEN THOU SHOULD’ST WEAN”

Composed possibly in 1803.—­Published 1807

This was one of the “Sonnets dedicated to Liberty”; afterwards called,
“Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty.”—­Ed.