Written on the Day that Mr. Leigh Hunt Left Prison

What though, for showing truth to flattered state,

   Kind Hunt was shut in prison, yet has he,

   In his immortal spirit, been as free

As the sky-searching lark, and as elate.

Minion of grandeur, think you he did wait?

   Think you he naught but prison walls did see,

   Till, so unwilling, thou unturn'dst the key?

Ah, no! far happier, nobler was his fate.

In Spenser's halls he strayed, and bowers fair,

   Culling enchanted flowers; and he flew

With daring Milton through the fields of air;

   To regions of his own his genius true

Took happy flights. Who shall his fame impair

   When thou art dead and all thy wretched crew?