Over the earth and through the skies In never-wearied search of Paradise, — Region that crowns her beauty with the name How happy at all seasons, could like aim Above a world that deems itself most wise When most enslaved by gross realities! 1885. SONNETS DEDICATED TO LIBERTY AND ORDER. I. COMPOSED AFTER READING A NEWSPAPER OF THE DAY. "PEOPLE! your chains are severing link by link; Soon shall the Rich be levelled down, -the Poor Meet them half-way." Vain boast! for these, the more They thus would rise, must low and lower sink, II. UPON THE LATE GENERAL FAST. MARCH, 1832. RELUCTANT call it was; the rite delayed; Their spirit mounted, crying, " God us aid!" III. SAID Secrecy to Cowardice and Fraud, Falsehood and Treachery, in close council met, Deep under ground, in Pluto's cabinet, "The frost of England's pride will soon be thawed; Hooded the open brow that overawed Our schemes; the faith and honor, never yet For once I burst my bands, and cry, applaud! Then whispered she, "The Bill is carrying out!" They heard, and, starting up, the Brood of Night Clapped hands, and shook with glee their matted locks; All Powers and Places that abhor the light Joined in the transport, echoed back their shout, Hurrah for hugging his Ballot-box! IV. BLEST Statesman he, whose Mind's unselfish will Leaves him at ease among grand thoughts: whose eye Sees that, apart from magnanimity, Wisdom exists not; nor the humbler skill With patient care. What though assaults run high, Its duties; -- prompt to move but firm to wait, Knowing, things rashly sought are rarely found; That, for the functions of an ancient State, Strong by her charters, free because imbound, Servant of Providence, not slave of Fate, Perilous is sweeping change, all chance unsound V. IN ALLUSION TO VARIOUS RECENT HISTORIES AND NOTICES OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. PORTENTOUS change, when History can appear As the cool advocate of foul device; Reckless audacity extol, and jeer At consciences perplexed with scruples nice! Hath it not long been said the wrath of Man VI. CONTINUED. WHO ponders National events shall find |