She dwells with Beauty--Beauty that must die; And Joy, whose hand is ever at his lips Bidding adieu; and aching Pleasure nigh, Turning to poison while the bee-mouth sips: Ay, in the very temple of Delight Veil'd Melancholy has her sovran shrine, Though seen of none save him whose strenuous tongue Can burst Joy's grape against his palate fine; His soul shall taste the sadness of her might, And be among her cloudy trophies hung.
Where these words come from
- 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Ode on Melancholy, stanza 3 (1819); Exact wording and attribution checked. Complete final stanza. She is personified Melancholy; beauty and pleasure carry awareness of their passing.
- Ode on Melancholy, stanza 3 (1819)
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