III. Written on the day that Mr. Leigh Hunt left Prison: III. Written on the day that Mr. Leigh Hunt left Prison

WHAT though, for showing truth to flatter�d state,
Kind Hunt was shut in prison, yet has he,
In his immortal spirit, been as free
As the sky-searching lark, and as elate.
Minion of grandeur! think you he did wait?
Think you he nought but prison walls did see,
Till, so unwilling, thou unturn�dst the key?
Ah, no! far happier, nobler was his fate!
In Spenser�s halls he strayed, and bowers fair,
Culling enchanted flowers; and he flew
With daring Milton through the fields of air:
To regions of his own his genius true
Took happy flights. Who shall his fame impair
When thou art dead, and all thy wretched crew?