The Poetical Works of Ebenezer Elliott Edited by his Son Edwin Elliott ... A New and Revised Edition: Two Volumes |
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 | The Poetical Works of Ebenezer Elliott |  |
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THE CHAINED EAGLE.
Slow Time seems swift. Since Charles stood here with meThree years have pass'd o'er Wharncliffe's wood and stream;
And Charles is busy still, where'er he be,
Willing to labour, if he may but dream.
Poor Pemberton! the forest speaks of thee;
The eagles? No; they dwell with other things;
But he who caged them here, though chain'd, is free,
And might do better for us, with his wings,
Than flap his mental bonds, to flatter kings.
When will he fly away, and be at rest?
Can he roll back the ocean to its springs?
Ye chain'd in soul! what must be, shall be best:
To Space and Time, their food Improvement brings;
“We dwell with God in both,” Obstruction's poet sings.
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