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