 | The Unpublished and Uncollected Poems of William Cowper |  |
13
On Loyalty.
A POEM IN LATIN SENT TO “DEAR TOBY” (PROBABLY MR. CLOTWORTHY ROWLEY) IN 1754.
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No pleasant hours, no leisure for the great.
Since the uneasy head which wears a crown
The threatenings of impending wars weigh down,
Why do the people rage with murmurs dark
Ready to fall on him who steers the bark?
'Tis his to watch, attent to every call
Lest any burden on his people fall.
'Tis Satan leads astray with devilish art
For Satan ever takes the fouler part.
Nay, rather, be the people's love his due
Who to his people's love is always true,
Him let the nations love and guard and bless,
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But thou, if such thou art, who dar'st with ill
To curse that sacred head—Oh, “Peace be still.”
Truth to the king may meet with rare reward,
Think not his claim on thee is therefore barred,
Approve thyself praiseworthy—that is best,
Only deserving, loyal souls can rest.
| The Unpublished and Uncollected Poems of William Cowper | |