 | I. |
| II. |
 | III. |
|
|
|
|
|
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
 | The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere |  |
322
XVIII. THE FALL OF BACON.
Apologist for a great man, take heed!Needs he such aid? Of errors worse is none
Than fond excuses urged for deeds ill-done
By men whose actions mould a nation's creed.
They that in might of mind their race exceed,
And walk this earth like Spirits from the sun,
By them should Virtue's palms not less be won:—
These if they reach not, let the victim bleed!
And who shall dare lament them? All are frail,
Though Nemesis the meaner culprit slights:
Adversity and Justice, hail, O hail!
Sacred the laurelled head your lightning smites!
Him from the prosperous herd ye raise, and down
On crowns of fortune drop a kinglier crown.
| The Poetical Works of Aubrey De Vere | |