A cloud has lowered that shall not soon pass o'er. The world takes sides: whether for impious aims With Tyranny whose bloody toll enflames A generous people to heroic war; Whether with Freedom, stretched in her own gore, Whose pleading hands and suppliant distress Still offer hearts that thirst for Righteousness A glorious cause to strike or perish for. England, which side is thine? Thou hast had sons Would shrink not from the choice however grim, Were Justice trampled on and Courage downed; Which will they be -- cravens or champions? Oh, if a doubt intrude, remember him Whose death made Missolonghi holy ground. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LUCASIA, ROSANIA, AND ORINDA PARTING AT A FOUNTAIN by KATHERINE PHILIPS THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 97. A SUPERSCRIPTION by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI IN MEMORIAM A.H.H.: 51 by ALFRED TENNYSON TURN O LIBERTAD by WALT WHITMAN BARCLAY OF URY by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER THE TENT ON THE BEACH: 5. THE CHANGELING by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER AVE MARIA GRATIA PLENA by OSCAR WILDE CLIO, NINE ECLOGUES IN HONOUR OF NINE VIRTUES: 5. OF TEMPERANCE by WILLIAM BASSE |