20. October, 1803. These times touch money'd Worldlings with dismay: While tens of thousands, thinking on the affray, And minds not stinted or untill'd are given, Sound, healthy Children of the God of Heaven, Are cheerful as the rising Sun in May. What do we gather hence but firmer faith That every gift of noble origin Is breathed upon by Hope's perpetual breath; That virtue and the faculties within Are vital, and that riches are akin To fear, to change, to cowardice, and death! 21. England! the time is come when thou shouldst wean Thy heart from its emasculating food; The truth should now be better understood; Old things have been unsettled; we have seen Fair seed-time, better harvest might have been If for Greece, Egypt, India, Africa, Aught good were destined, Thou wouldst step between. But worse, more ignorant in love and hate, Therefore the wise pray for thee, though the freight Oh grief! that Earth's best hopes rest all with Thee! 22. October, 1803. When, looking on the present face of things, So that almost a doubt within me springs I measure back the steps which I have trod, Of such poor Instruments, with thoughts sublime 23. TO THE MEN OF KENT. October, 1803. Vanguard of Liberty, ye Men of Kent, Ye Children of a Soil that doth advance To France be words of invitation sent! They from their Fields can see the countenance 24. October, 1803. Six thousand Veterans practis'd in War's game, Oh! for a single hour of that Dundee Who on that day the word of onset gave! And her Foes find a like inglorious Grave. |