A Metrical History of England Or, Recollections, in Rhyme, Of some of the most prominent Features in our National Chronology, from the Landing of Julius Caesar to the Commencement of the Regency, in 1812. In Two Volumes ... By Thomas Dibdin |
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 | A Metrical History of England |  |
Next might we open a vast, boundless theme,
Of wond'rous narrative, more like a dream
Than semblant to the style of sober pens,
I mean when civil dæmons left their dens:
With specious garb, and demagogues' deep wile,
Who look like peace, yet “murder while they smile.”
Oh, hapless Gallia, 'tis for thee we mean
These plaints, and happy for the Muse, I ween,
Not her's the task to trace each blood-stain'd scene
Thy mourning streets, thy fanes, thine altars saw;
That fierce despite of loyalty and law
Which rent asunder ev'ry sacred tie,
In Reason's name bade all of reason die,
And call'd the gaunt delirium Liberty!
Of wond'rous narrative, more like a dream
Than semblant to the style of sober pens,
I mean when civil dæmons left their dens:
With specious garb, and demagogues' deep wile,
Who look like peace, yet “murder while they smile.”
Oh, hapless Gallia, 'tis for thee we mean
These plaints, and happy for the Muse, I ween,
Not her's the task to trace each blood-stain'd scene
Thy mourning streets, thy fanes, thine altars saw;
That fierce despite of loyalty and law
Which rent asunder ev'ry sacred tie,
In Reason's name bade all of reason die,
And call'd the gaunt delirium Liberty!
| A Metrical History of England | |