Sonnet + 

When I Contemplate How My State Is Low + 

When I contemplate how my state is low, + 

And how my pride that had the earth for throne + 

In this dark city sitteth all alone, + 

My heart is fain for death to end its woe; + 

Then when I think how all the great below + 

Had only sorrow and grief through all their days, + 

I, that with these shall some time stand in place, + 

My fortune like their bitter fortune know. + 

Among whom also holy Baudelaire, + 

Though unto him the loftiest lot was given + 

To hear the blessed muses sing in heaven, + 

Past his few days in anguish and despair; + 

Yet did he not bow down his mournful head + 

Until Peace found him in his glory dead. + 

So thou in this low lair, + 

Although in sorrow and grief thou dost remain, + 

Though of all things whereof thy soul was fain + 

Remaineth only pain, + 

Yet be not thou, O soul, disconsolate: + 

Forget not thou thy far-exalted state. + 