'Alas! this is not what I thought life was'
by Percy Bysshe Shelley
· (no date)
Published 01/07/1880
Alas! this is not what I thought life was.
I knew that there were crimes and evil men,
Misery and hate; nor did I hope to pass
Untouched by suffering, through the rugged glen.
In mine own heart I saw as in a glass
The hearts of othersAnd when
I went among my kind, with triple brass
Of calm endurance my weak breast I armed.
To bear scorn, fear, and hate, a woful mass!