Poems by St. John Honeywood . with some pieces in prose |
 |
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS On the
Publication
of a
Newspaper. |
 | Poems by St. John Honeywood . |  |
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS On the Publication of a Newspaper.
Too long have vile abuse and party rageEngross'd the Press and soil'd the weekly page,
While truth itself, by partial hands pourtray'd,
Half met the light, and half was sunk in shade.
And was the Press, fair Freedom's gift, design'd
To serve each baser passion of mankind?
To flatter pride, to point the darts of spite,
To blast the good, and shield the bad from light?
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To mend the heart, to raise the mental powers,
To show the world, on one extensive plan,
All that is great, and good, and dear to man;
The patriot's plans and councils to display,
To point where glory shapes the warrior's way,
And as fresh wonders burst from every clime,
To mark th' unfoldings of eventful Time;
That while our youth with sparkling eyes shall read
How heroes conquer, or more nobly bleed,
Their infant souls may catch the sacred flame,
And join their country's love to that of fame.
—Co-patriots all, of every sex and age,
Whom chance may lead to view this humble page,
Protect our Press, espouse a stranger's part,
And deign to foster Learning's favourite art;
With candour read, nor too severely blame;
'Tis all we ask, who dare not hope for fame.
| Poems by St. John Honeywood . | |