Poems; original and translated by Charles Rann Kennedy ... and Two Poems by the Rev. Rann Kennedy. New Edition. By Charles Rann Kennedy |
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 | Poems; original and translated |  |
92
MALTHUSIAN THEORY.
1839.
How peacefully the commonwealth of ants
Together dwell, within a narrow space
A myriad-swarming thriving populace;
For whom the Earth her bounty never scants,
Teeming with harvest equal to their wants.
Britons, herein the will of Heaven I trace:
Is it a crime to multiply our race
In us, this blessed Isle's inhabitants?
Fear we that Nature from her fruitful field
To toil should cease a recompense to yield?
Oh! she hath treasures that can never fail,
Stores inexhausted, virtues unreveal'd:
And hands and hearts unknowing how to quail
Shall still o'er dearth and penury prevail.
| Poems; original and translated | |