To Godwin

[3] By 1796, Coleridge's changed views on Godwin began to be shared by others, including his friend Charles Lamb.

form'd t' illume a sunless world forlorn, As o'er the chill and dusky brow of Night, In Finland's wintry skies, the Mimic Morn Electric pours a stream of rosy light,

Pleas'd I have mark'd Oppression, terror-pale, Since, thro' the windings of her dark machine, Thy steady eye has shot its glances keen— And bade th' All-lovely "scenes at distance hail".

with an arden lay; For that thy voice, in Passion's stormy day, When wild I roam'd the bleak Heath of Distress,

[5] Southey's original sketch for eight lines of the poem, on Coleridge's request, read:[1] What tho Oppressions blood-cemented fane Stands proudly threatning arrogant in state, Not thine his savage priests to immolate Or hurl the fabric on the encumberd plain As with a whirlwinds fury.

it is thine When dark Revenge maskd in the form adord Of Justice, lifts on high the murderous sword To save the erring victim from her shrine.

The conversation turned to religion, and Coleridge believed that Porson was a strong speaker while Godwin lacked intelligence in his speech.