"And I was desolate and sick of an old passion"

The quote by Ernest Dowson mentions a deep sense of loneliness and anguish. It is a reflection of the speaker's emotion, which is one of desolation and a feeling of being overwhelmed by an old, unsettled enthusiasm. The speaker is most likely referring to a previous relationship or experience that has actually left them feeling mentally drained pipes and not able to proceed. The speaker is likely feeling a sense of hopelessness and regret, as they are not able to let go of the past and move forward. The quote speaks to the power of unsettled emotions and how they can linger and trigger pain even after a long time. It is a suggestion that we must put in the time to process our emotions and find closure in order to move on and discover peace.