Linenotes

Title] Another Fragment, but in a very different style, from a Dream of Purgatory, alias Limbus MS. S. T. C. [Note.—In this MS. Phantom, 'All Look and Likeness,' &c. precedes Limbo.]

Between 2-3:

For skimming in the wake it mock'd the care
Of the old Boat-God for his farthing fare;
Tho' Irus' Ghost itself he ne'er frown'd blacker on
The skin and skin-pent Druggist cross'd the Acheron,
Styx, and with Periphlegeton Cocytus,—
(The very names, methinks, might frighten us)
Unchang'd it cross'd—and shall some fated hour

MS. Notebook.

[Coleridge marks these lines as 'a specimen of the Sublime dashed to pieces by cutting too close with the fiery Four-in-Hand round the corner of Nonsense.']

They, like moles Friend, 1818.

Shrink from the light, then listen for a sound Friend, 1818.

so] such MS. S. T. C.

the] his MS. S. T. C.

Mark'd but by Flit MS. S. T. C.

at] on MS. S. T. C.

foll.

In one sole Outlet yawns the Phantom Wall,
And through this grim road to [a] worser thrall
Oft homeward scouring from a sick Child's dream
Old Mother Brownrigg shoots upon a scream;
And turning back her Face with hideous Leer,
Leaves Sentry there Intolerable Fear!
A horrid thought is growthless dull Negation:
Yet that is but a Purgatory Curse,
She knows a fear far worse
Flee, lest thou hear its Name! Flee, rash Imagination!

S. T. Coleridge, 1st Oct. 1827, Grove, Highgate.