Calais, August 15, 1802

Composed August 15, 1802.—Published 1807A

One of the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty"; re-named in 1845, "Poems dedicated to National Independence and Liberty."—Ed.

The Poem

text variant footnote line number

Festivals have I seen that were not names:
This is young Buonaparte's natal day,
And his is henceforth an established sway—
Consul for life. With worship France proclaims
Her approbation, and with pomps and games.
Heaven grant that other Cities may be gay!
Calais is not: and I have bent my way
To the sea-coast, noting that each man frames
His business as he likes. Far other show
My youth here witnessed, in a prouder time;
The senselessness of joy was then sublime!
Happy is he, who, caring not for Pope,
Consul, or King, can sound himself to know
The destiny of Man, and live in hope.

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5

10

Variant 1:

1807

... this ...

1803

Variant 2:

1827

... Another time
That was, when I was here twelve years ago.

1803

... long years ago:

1807

... Far different time
That was, which here I witnessed, long ago;

1820

Footnote A:

It had appeared in The Morning Post, February 26, 1803, under the initials W. L. D.—Ed.

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