The poetical works (1829)

For thirty years, secluded from mankind,
Here Marten linger'd. Often have these walls
Echo'd his footsteps, as with even tread
He paced around his prison: not to him
Did Nature's fair varieties exist:
He never saw the sun's delightful beams,
Save when through yon high bars it pour'd a sad

707

And broken splendour. Dost thou ask his crime?
He had rebell'd against the king, and sat
In judgment on him; for his ardent mind
Shaped goodliest plans of happiness on earth,
And peace and liberty. Wild dreams! but such
As Plato loved; such as, with holy zeal
Our Milton worshipp'd. Blessed hopes! awhile
From man withheld, even to the latter days,
When Christ shall come and all things be fulfill'd.

University of Virginia Library

INSCRIPTION

FOR THE APARTMENT IN CHEPSTOW CASTLE, WHERE HENRY MARTEN THE REGICIDE WAS IMPRISONED THIRTY YEARS.