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 |  |
278
X.
How like the clear, bright ether, which brings fire,Wind, rain, and darkness, is the cruel eye
Of plotting Statecraft! Everywhere conspire
Thrones, and thy despotlings, Feudality,
To crush the hopes of Freedom everywhere.
The spoil of nations is their common fund.
Their first card was the baffled Sonderbund;
They play'd and lost! and still to lose prepare.
But thou art reckless, Orleans! pause awhile.
Thou wilt not? Play, then. Ye again have lost,
Kings of the robb'd! and at your proper cost,
Must risk, henceforth, your stakes and trumps of guile.
What, though your Kinglings, in themselves a host,
Will pack your cards? They tremble, while they smile.
| The Poetical Works of Ebenezer Elliott | |