 | The Poetical Works of Robert Story |  |
When Freedom.
1849.
When Freedom made this Constitution of ours,
Which you shall not find matched if the wide world you range,
Two Spirits she chose to keep watch on its powers—
The Spirit of Caution, the Spirit of Change.
Which you shall not find matched if the wide world you range,
Two Spirits she chose to keep watch on its powers—
The Spirit of Caution, the Spirit of Change.
“If Caution,” she said, “would too slowly proceed,
Then, Change, do thy part, nor allow him to flag;
And if Change urge the engine to perilous speed,
Then, Caution, be ready to slip on the drag!”
Then, Change, do thy part, nor allow him to flag;
And if Change urge the engine to perilous speed,
Then, Caution, be ready to slip on the drag!”
Thus ever those Spirits keep watch on its powers,
Retard, or impel, as the need becomes known;
And 'tis by them that this Constitution of ours
In the line of Improvement rolls steadily on.
Retard, or impel, as the need becomes known;
And 'tis by them that this Constitution of ours
In the line of Improvement rolls steadily on.
And Britons have but to preserve it intact—
Secure that its working no power can derange,
While the Spirit of Change shall force Caution to act,
And the Spirit of Caution shall regulate Change?
Secure that its working no power can derange,
While the Spirit of Change shall force Caution to act,
And the Spirit of Caution shall regulate Change?
| The Poetical Works of Robert Story | |