Percy Shelley

Alas! This Is Not What I Thought Life Was

Alas! this is not what I thought life was.

I knew that there were crimes and evil men,

Misery and hate; nor did I hope to pass

Untouched by suffering, through the rugged glen.

In mine own heart I saw as in a glass 

The hearts of others ... And when

I went among my kind, with triple brass

Of calm endurance my weak breast I armed,

To bear scorn, fear, and hate, a woful mass!