The poetical works of John Nicholson ... Carefully edited from the original editions, with additional notes and a sketch of his life and writings. By W. G. Hird |
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 | The poetical works of John Nicholson |  |
25
Assembly rooms, our theatres and halls,
Are we more happy than the ancient lord,
With good October sparkling on his board,
His warriors round him, and the tuneful lyre
Strung by the bards, who sang his valiant sire;—
A lady lov'd, who strove her lord to please;
A priest at hand his troubled breast to ease?
One wife he lov'd, the chase, and moral song,—
No follies broke his constitution strong:
His guests true hearted, each a warrior brave,
And not a heart but scorn'd to be a slave.
To-day they to the chase or feasting yield,
To-morrow duty calls them to the field.
With learning unrefined, they knew no fear,
When front to front they met the shining spear.
Such were the sons of Leeds when Towton's plain
Was crimsoned o'er with thirty thousand slain;
Their king they lov'd, and for their king they died,
While Wharf's clear stream roll'd on a purple tide;
And if our favoured isle continue free,
Such must the modern lords of Britain be.
| The poetical works of John Nicholson | |