[Published by Dr. Garnett, "Relics of Shelley", 1862.] O mighty mind, in whose deep stream this age Shakes like a reed in the unheeding storm, Why dost thou curb not thine own sacred rage? *** FRAGMENT: APOSTROPHE TO SILENCE. [Published by Dr. Garnett, "Relics of Shelley", 1862. A transcript by Mrs. Shelley, given to Charles Cowden Clarke, presents one or two variants.] Silence! Oh, well are Death and Sleep and Thou Three brethren named, the guardians gloomy-winged Of one abyss, where life, and truth, and joy Are swallowed up--yet spare me, Spirit, pity me, Until the sounds I hear become my soul, _5 And it has left these faint and weary limbs, To track along the lapses of the air This wandering melody until it rests Among lone mountains in some... NOTES: _4 Spirit 1862; O Spirit C.C.C. manuscript. _8 This wandering melody 1862; These wandering melodies... C.C.C. manuscript. *** FRAGMENT: THE LAKE'S MARGIN. [Published by W.M. Rossetti, 1870.] The fierce beasts of the woods and wildernesses Track not the steps of him who drinks of it; For the light breezes, which for ever fleet Around its margin, heap the sand thereon. *** FRAGMENT: 'MY HEAD IS WILD WITH WEEPING'. [Published by W.M. Rossetti, 1870.] My head is wild with weeping for a grief Which is the shadow of a gentle mind. I walk into the air (but no relief To seek,--or haply, if I sought, to find; It came unsought);--to wonder that a chief _5 Among men's spirits should be cold and blind. NOTE: _4 find cj. A.C. Bradley. *** FRAGMENT: THE VINE-SHROUD. [Published by W.M. Rossetti, 1870.] Flourishing vine, whose kindling clusters glow Beneath the autumnal sun, none taste of thee; For thou dost shroud a ruin, and below The rotting bones of dead antiquity. *** NOTE ON POEMS OF 1818, BY MRS. SHELLEY. We often hear of persons disappointed by a first visit to Italy. This was not Shelley's case. The aspect of its nature, its sunny sky, its majestic storms, of the luxuriant vegetation of the country, and the noble marble-built cities, enchanted him. The sight of the works of art was full enjoyment and wonder. He had not studied pictures or statues before; he now did so with the eye of taste, that referred not to the rules of schools, but to those of Nature and truth. The first entrance to Rome opened to him a scene of remains of antique grandeur that far surpassed his expectations; and the unspeakable beauty of Naples and its environs added to the impression he received of the transcendent and glorious beauty of Italy.