The poetical works of William Wordsworth ... In six volumes ... A new edition |
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The poetical works of William Wordsworth | ||
97
XLI. DISTRACTIONS.
Men, who have ceased to reverence, soon defyTheir forefathers; lo! sects are formed, and split
With morbid restlessness;—the ecstatic fit
Spreads wide; though special mysteries multiply,
The Saints must govern, is their common cry;
And so they labour, deeming Holy Writ
Disgraced by aught that seems content to sit
Beneath the roof of settled Modesty.
The Romanist exults; fresh hope he draws
From the confusion, craftily incites
The overweening, personates the mad—
To heap disgust upon the worthier Cause:
Totters the Throne; the new-born Church is sad
For every wave against her peace unites.
The poetical works of William Wordsworth | ||