SONNET I. TO J. C. CURWEN, ESQ. M. P.
He who contends for freedom
Can ne'er be justly deem'd his sovereign's foe.
Thomson.
Not the misnomer'd hero's praise I sing,
Who basely triumphs when he thins mankind;
Nor his who, to a people's interest blind,
The hard-earn'd mite from Industry do wring;—
Curwen, whose deeds a loftier verse doth claim!
Curwen her champion Cumbria hails with pride,
And bids her son resound his deathless fame!
To him belongs the honest patriot's name,
Who strives to stem Corruption's swelling tide,
And “feels resentment for his country's shame.”
Thee Independence proudly calls her own,
Who with yon recreant crew dares to contend,
Regardless or of place or placemen's frown—
Go on, great patriot, proving thou art Britain's friend!
