17. Thomas Chatterton (1752-1770)

 

Is Charity and Love among high elves?
Ask hope for her ethereal balm,
Ask Palmers to read their myriad palm,
Ask Ruby-breasted warbler – tell yourselves.
Is there a sun that rises calm and bright?
Does Robin twee as the magpie chatters?
Is air thus filled with pleasant noise of waters?
Was welcomed last the roaring wind last night?

Recall a boy who counts among the stars –
Dear child of sorrow, was it not your fate?
At seventeen you died for singing Lars,
Proud of your voice, majestic and elate.
On earth the outward self-destruction mars,
Abuse, neglect, despondency, self-hate.