Reluctantly I sat abusing

Some old and sad familiar musing

That for some reason kept refusing

To lie quietly

A thought that in a moment read

Was understood and put to bed

But now prancing once more round my head

O daring memory

Why must thee wallow on the tongue

Barren tree with fruit unsprung

Tormenting, tempting songs unsung

In endless reverie

So oft times I've thought before

Unquiet spirit I implore

Why dost thou rattle through these doors

Of vain assurety

Must I bear this burden hence

Without knowing why or whence

These troubled thoughts but for a pence

In silent suffering