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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNETS ON EMINENT CHARACTERS: 3. PRIESTLEY by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE

Poet Analysis

First Line: THOUGH ROUSED BY THAT DARK VIZIR RIOT RUDE
Last Line: TO SMILE WITH FONDNESS ON HER GAZING SON!
Subject(s): PRIESTLEY, JOSEPH (1733-1804);

Though roused by that dark Vizir Riot rude
Have driven our Priestley o'er the ocean swell;
Though Superstition and her wolfish brood
Bay his mild radiance, impotent and fell;
Calm in his halls of brightness he shall dwell!
For lo! Religion at his strong behest
Starts with mild anger from the Papal spell,
And flings to earth her tinsel-glittering vest,
Her mitred state and cumbrous pomp unholy;
And Justice wakes to bid the Oppressor wail
Insulting aye the wrongs of patient Folly:
And from her dark retreat by Wisdom won
Meek Nature slowly lifts her matron veil
To smile with fondness on her gazing son!



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