WILLIAM 1770--1850. LONDON, 1802. O FRIEND! I know not which way I must look For confort, being as I am opprest, To think that now our life is only drest For show; mean handiwork of craftsman, cook, WILLIAM 1770-1850. LONDON, 1802. MILTON! thou shouldst be living at this hour: England hath need of thee: she is a fen Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen, Of inward happiness. We are selfish men ; And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power. Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart ; Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea, Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free; So didst thou travel on life's common way, In cheerful godliness; and yet thy heart The lowliest duties on herself did lay. WILLIAM WORTH. 1770-1850. BRITISH FREEDOM. It is not to be thought of that the Flood Of British freedom which to the open sea Of the world's praise, from dark antiquity That this most famous Stream in bogs and sands Should perish; and to evil and to good Be lost for ever. In our halls is hung Armoury of the invincible knights of old; That Shakespeare spake; the faith and morals hold Of Earth's first blood, have titles manifold. WILLIAM 1770-1850. UNFILIAL FEARS. WHEN I have borne in memory what has tamed Great nations, how ennobling thoughts depart When men change swords for ledgers and desert But when I think of thee, and what thou art, Verily, in the bottom of my heart, Of those unfilial fears I am ashamed. But dearly must we prize thee; we who find The last that dare to struggle with the foe. 'Tis well! from this day forward we shall know |