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1772–1834

PHANTOM OR FACT

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

A lovely form there sate beside my bed, And such a feeding calm its presence shed, A tender love so pure from earthly leaven, That I unnethe the fancy might control,

‘ Twas my own spirit newly come from heaven, Wooing its gentle way into my soul! But ah! the change — It had not stirr'd, and yet — Alas! that change how fain would I forget!

That shrinking back, like one that had mistook! That weary, wandering, disavowing look! ‘ Twas all another, feature, look, and frame, And still, methought, I knew, it was the same!

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PHANTOM OR FACT · Samuel Taylor Coleridge · Poetry Cove