Classic Poem

XXVI.

And shall Reproach cling darkly to the name
Which every memory so much endears?
Shall we , too, tyrannise, — and tardy Fame
Revoke the glory of our former years,
And stain Britannia's flag with children's tears?
So shall the mercy of the English throne
Become a by-word in the Nations' ears,
As one who pitying heard the stranger's groan,
But to these nearer woes was cold and deaf as stone.

XXVII.

Are there not changes made which grind the Poor?
Are there not losses every day sustained, —
Deep grievances, which make the spirit sore?
And what the answer, when these have complained?
" For crying evils there hath been ordained
The R EMEDY OF C HANGE ; to obey its call
Some individual loss must be disdained,
And pass as unavoidable and small,
Weighed with the broad result of general good to all. "

XXVIII.

Oh! such an evil now doth cry aloud!
And C HANGE should be by generous hearts begun,
Though slower gain attend the prosperous crowd,
Lessening the fortunes for their children won.
Why should it grieve a father, that his son
Plain competence must moderately bless?
That he must trade, even as his sire has done,
Not born to independent idleness,
Though honestly above all probable distress?

XXIX.

Rejoice! Thou hast not left enough of gold
From the lined heavy ledger, to entice
His drunken hand, irresolutely bold,
To squander it in haggard haunts of vice: —
The hollow rattling of the uncertain dice
Eats not the portion which thy love bestowed; —
Unable to afford that P LEASURE'S price,
Far off he slumbers in his calm abode,
And leaves the Idle Rich to follow Ruin's road.

XXX.

Happy his lot! For him there shall not be
The cold temptation given by vacant time;
Leaving his young and uncurbed spirit free
To wander thro' the feverish paths of crime!
For him the Sabbath bell's returning chime
Not vainly ushers in God's day of rest;
No night of riot clouds the morning's prime:
Alert and glad, not languid and opprest,
He wakes, and with calm soul is the Creator blest.