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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ALARMISTS. |
 | Poems; original and translated |  |
ALARMISTS.
1842.
Prophets there be, who vers'd in learned lore
On deeds of ancient story love to dwell,
And future eras by the past foretell:
In that which is to what hath been before
Some likeness they can find, and fancy more:
They mind us oft, how Rome or Carthage fell,
And with untimely sorrow ring the knell
Of England's glory, and her doom deplore.
Delusions fond! There is no book of fate
In which the doom of nations we can read.
Hold fast to virtue! This upholds a state:
To idle presage none but fools give heed.
Twas British hearts that made Britannia great:
Long may the land preserve her noble breed!
| Poems; original and translated | |