The Life and Poetical Works of James Woodhouse :: :: University of Virginia Library

Close on the skirts of neighbouring northern height,
Let Dudley's crowded domes arrest the sight;
Where, o'er each sacred fane, and social roof,
Rude feudal reliques lift their heads aloof;
To hint how despot Pow'r, and hostile Strife,
Rear high their foreheads o'er domestic Life:
Swell o'er the supple throngs of humbler Birth,
And stalk, with slavish Terror, o'er the Earth;
All civil rights, and liberties, to chain,
And subjugate Religion's blissful reign!

Now nods each Edifice in tottering state,
To warn all Tyrants of their woeful Fate;
And tell, by batter'd tow'rs, and wasted walls,
How each dier Despot, in confusion, falls!
Behind, extensive Romish Ruins hide,
Once haunts of Idols, base, and bigot Pride!
Where papal Antichrist the sceptre sway'd,
And Superstition plied her pagan trade;
But now, pure Piety, with righteous joy,
Beholds those Domes in desolation lie.
Nor longer ignorant zeal's false ardour, now,
Repeats vain pray'rs, or vents the idle vow;
No more inflam'd with Demon's fell desires,
Again to kindle Smithfield's cruel fires;
But that blest Profidence, which orders all,
Has forc'd each Fiend to fly, each tow'r to fall!