To Sheridan

As the last poem running as part of the Sonnets on Eminent Characters series, it describes Coleridge's appreciation of Richard Brinsley Sheridan and his theatre talents.

The connection that Coleridge felt in regards to the sadder works of Sheridan is what prompted him to dedicate a poem to the playwright and not to someone else, such as a political figure.

My soul hath mark'd thee in her shaping hour, They temples with Hymettian flowrets wreath'd: And sweet thy voice, as when o'er Laura's bier Sad music trembled thro' Vauclusa's glade; Sweet, as at dawn the love-lorn Serenade That wafts soft dreams to Slumber's list'ning ear.

Writhes inly from the bosom-probing glance Th' Apostate by the brainless rout ador'd, As erst that elder Fiend beneath great Michael's sword.

This alludes to Mr. Sheridan's classical attainments, and the following four lines to the exquisite sweetness and almost Italian delicacy of his Poetry.—In Shakespeare's 'Lover's Complaint' there is a fine stanza almost prophetically characteristic of Mr.

that breath'd His various influences on thy natal hour?— My Fancy bodies forth the Guardian Power His temples with Hymettian flowrets wreath'd; The Sonnets on Eminent Characters contained many poems dedicated to those Coleridge considered his hero from many fields.