THE DEAD SOUL
[Thomas Cooper, in his Autobiography, gives an account of William Thom, whose fate was a very sad one. Coming to London, he fell into dissipated habits, and consequently into distress. "Again and again," says Cooper, "I carried invitations to him from Douglas Jerrold to contribute to the 'Shilling Magazine,' and from William Howitt to contribute to his periodical, but it was in vain. 'Nay, nay,' he used to say with an air of wretchedness, 'I can do nae such thing as they ask, although they promise me siller for it. I threw off my lilts o' the heart in auld times when I had a heart, but I think I've none left noo.'"
The following poem was suggested by the above story; but it is intended to have a general application rather than to be understood as relating to William Thom.]
With fire poetic filled,
With which my fervent youth was blessed,
Ere disillusion chilled:
Oh then what glorious visions came
My spirit to delight!
How did Life's pure aspiring flame
Burn ever dear and bright!
31
