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 |  |
XXXVI.
Realm-Stealing Patron of all states and men!Thy flag the sign of peace-pretended war,
Wherever flying! would that thou could'st see
Thyself as others see thee! Thou would'st, then,
Knowing thyself, see others as they are.
Erin would cease to stench the ocean-wave
With victim-freights of helots, nick-named free;
Nor would that Hell of Nations be thy grave.
Oh, never may she see thee wreck'd with spoil!
A beggar, with all scorn by beggary named!
Pride's meanest cringer! asking leave to toil
Of her, once lowest of earth's poorest poor!
And in thy vileness hounded from her door,
Yet fain to kiss her foot, and not ashamed!
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