Classic Poem

for the Apartment in Chepstow Castle, where Henry Marten , the Regicide, was imprisoned thirty years .

F OR thirty years secluded from mankind
Here Marten linger'd. Often have these walls
Echoed 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 he pour'd a sad
And broken splendour. Dost thou ask his crime?
He had REBELL'D AGAINST THE K ING, AND SAT
I N 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! a while
From man withheld, even to the latter days
When Christ shall come, and all things be fulfill'd!