The Complete Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelleyby Percy Bysshe Shelley

Fragments Written for Hellas

Ginevra

Fragment: 'I Would Not Be a King'

Published by Mrs. Shelley, "Poetical Works", 1839, 2nd edition.

I would not be a king—enough
Of woe it is to love;
The path to power is steep and rough,
And tempests reign above.
I would not climb the imperial throne; 
'Tis built on ice which fortune's sun
Thaws in the height of noon.
Then farewell, king, yet were I one,
Care would not come so soon.
Would he and I were far away 
Keeping flocks on Himalay!

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Fragments Written for Hellas

Ginevra