PREFAC E. In these prodigious times when everything Like Egypt's hailstones in great storms descend- While others sallying from the frozen North With Thor's own Hammer' in their hands burst forth; When wars and horrid rumours load the sky, And States of Siege' make game of Liberty; AndStates When every landmark is by force displac'd, The life of nations-that means more no doubt Shall I not lift my voice? If men were dumb, Mock at their puny sons who pause to think! Ye reckless change-mongers who deem it praise To leave the straight and follow crooked ways! Whose song must ever end as it begun, In prophecies of Peace where Peace is noneBehold your handiwork!-nay more, behold The robber gloating o'er your cherish'd gold! Into the tottering scale his sword he flingsAnother lesson on the faith of kingsAnother warning to the fools that doatAnother crime for history to quote: For, wolf at heart, when passion blows the flame, Savage or civiliz'd, man's still the same And what brought England to this rueful plight? So ready once in a good cause to fight? Insensate blindness, and the cuckoo cry For Peace disarm'd, and mad Economy ! With everything to lose and nought to gain, The prudent few lifted their voice in vain! When to destruction in great mobs men run, Who shall arrest the wild stampedo? None! Behold your work-Philanthropy! and then Smile, if you can, ye Peace at all price' men! 'Twas by your arts, your din from day to day, You stole the wits of Englishmen away; Pull'd down our trusty bulwarks stone by stone, And left us powerless, friendless, and alone. The days were once when England's word could give Strength to the Slave, and bid the hopeless live; From wasted limbs the shacklebolts withdraw, The lamp of Freedom, and the Queen of Law— |