Classic Poem

My heart sinks when I look upon the world,
And see the wronger cased in evil might,
The bloody flag of hell at large unfurled,
While vice and misery clothe themselves in night;
The cry of innocence, the growl of lust,
Fair claims despised, and unjust avarice,
Merit and honour trampled in the dust,
While sin and virtue are made casting dice,
Shook in the cup of custom, held by time,
With all humanity to watch the game.
Time was when all injustice, woe, and crime,
Were straight redressed by heroes of fair fame.
O that we had those old knights' chivalry,
The wronged to succour, and the slave to free!