Alfred An Heroic Poem, in Twenty-Four Books. By Joseph Cottle: 4th ed. |
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 | Alfred |  |
The drowning man who spies approaching aid,
Feels not more joy than Sigbert. Thus he cried:
‘Monarch, my heart is thine! but to my words
‘Thou must not look for recompence. Declare,
‘Oh king! how I may shew my gratitude,
‘And if I shew it not, trust not in man!
‘His vow is vain.’—Alfred replied: ‘My time
‘Important duties claim, but I will stay,
‘Albeit unwise, one moment to bestow
‘A passing word, with meek austerity.
Feels not more joy than Sigbert. Thus he cried:
‘Monarch, my heart is thine! but to my words
‘Thou must not look for recompence. Declare,
‘Oh king! how I may shew my gratitude,
‘And if I shew it not, trust not in man!
‘His vow is vain.’—Alfred replied: ‘My time
‘Important duties claim, but I will stay,
‘Albeit unwise, one moment to bestow
‘A passing word, with meek austerity.
| Alfred | |