J Thelwall read by Classic Poetry Aloud: Giving voice to the poetry of the past.

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The Cell

by John Thelwall (1764 – 1834)

Within the Dungeon's noxious gloom

The Patriot still, with dauntless breast,

The cheerful aspect can assume—

And smile—in conscious Virtue blest!

The damp foul floor, the ragged wall,

And shattered window, grated high;

The trembling Ruffian may appal,

Whose thoughts no sweet resource supply.

But he, unaw'd by guilty fears,

(To Freedom and his Country true)

Who o'er a race of well-spent years

Can cast the retrospective view,

Looks inward to his heart, and sees

The objects that must ever please.

First aired: 31 January 2008

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