METHINKS There's something lonely in the state of kings! None dare come near them. As the eagle, poised Upon his sightless throne in upper air, Scares gentle birds away, so kings (cut off From human kindred by the curse of power) Are shunn'd and live alone. Who dare come near The region of a king? There is a wall (Invisible, indeed, yet strong and high) Which fences kings from close approach of men. They live respected -- oh, that chest "respect!" As if the homage that abases others Could comfort him that has't. Alone -- alone! Prison'd in ermine and a velvet chair -- Shut out from hope, (the height being all attain'd,) Yet touch'd by terrors -- what can soothe a king! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A CHRISTMAS HYMN (OLD STYLE: 1837) by ALFRED DOMETT A FIESOLAN IDYL by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR THE WORLD (1) by HENRY VAUGHAN COMPOSED UPON WESTMINSTER BRIDGE, SEPTEMBER 3, 1802 by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH WALLS by WILLIAM HERVEY ALLEN JR. I DID NOT ASK OF LIFE by ALICE BAKER |