 | The Poetical Works of (Richard Monckton Milnes) Lord Houghton |  |
221
ON ALFRED OF ENGLAND.
Alfred judged, and we have his own words before us grounded on such
judgment, that it is better to permit the continuance of a defective law,
than to destroy the foundation upon which all laws depend,—respect for
established authority,—which sudden changes, even for the better, are apt
to undermine. Palgrave.
There rose, from out a most discordant age,
A mind attuned to that slow harmony,
With which the Former of Humanity
Unfolds his book of will, from page to page.
War, with that generous passion, he did wage,
Which was the soul of Christian chivalry,—
But governing, his wise humility
Against high Heaven threw down no venturous gage.
He knew, how staidly moves the Spirit of Law,
Even as the dial-shade,—that men with awe
May recognise the one law-giving hand;
And thus the Ruler, whom his own proud will
Urges unbridled, be it for good or ill,
Brings on himself like shame and misery on the land.
| The Poetical Works of (Richard Monckton Milnes) Lord Houghton | |