Poems original and translated By John Herman Merivale ... A new and corrected edition with some additional pieces |
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EIGHTH CENTURY. |
 | Poems original and translated |  |
EIGHTH CENTURY.
By christian light illumined, now brighter days succeed;And learning still adores the name of venerable Bede.
The lust of power gives way to mild religion's call,
And monarchs for the cowl exchange the sceptre and the ball—
Exchange of death for life, short pomp for endless bliss—
Which, if we superstition term, we judge our sires amiss.
Then were rich abbeys founded, where arts and letters reign'd,
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Then peaceful Ina ruled with wisdom's just applause,
And to his realm of Wessex gave, the volume of her laws;
Alike on church and state his benefactions pour'd,
At once as patriot chief beloved, as royal saint adored.
Offa, for bolder deeds renown'd, maintain'd his sway
O'er Mercian fields, and made the kings of lesser states obey:
By battle some he quell'd, and some to death betray'd;
Saint Alban's founded, and a dyke from Dee to Severn made:
Then went to Rome, in penance for blood of kindred spilt,
And sought by tributary pence atonement for his guilt.
| Poems original and translated | |