诗歌作于1821年，次年1822年，雪莱就与世长辞，享年仅30岁。创作此诗时，诗人已有厌世之念，前面诗人说他正在攀登世界、人生和时间的最后几个阶梯，后面感叹自己的荣耀不会再来，全篇充满悲伤。诗歌每节五句，韵律为AABAB。O world! O life! O time!On whose last steps I climb,Trembling at that where I had stood before;When will return the glory of your prime?No more—Oh, never more!啊，世界！啊，人生！啊，时间！登上了岁月最后一重山！回顾来路心已碎，昔日荣光几时还？啊，难追――永难追？ Out of the day and nightA joy has taken flight;Fresh spring, and summer, and winter hoar,Move my faint heart with grief, but with delightNo more—Oh, never more!日夜流逝中，有种欢情去无踪。阳春隆冬一样悲，心中乐事不再逢。啊，难追――永难追！