A SUDDEN conflict rises from the swell Of a proud slavery met by tenets strained In Liberty's behalf. Fears, true or feigned, Spread through all ranks; and lo! the Sentinel Who loudest rang his pulpit 'larum bell, Stands at the Bar, absolved by female eyes Mingling their glances with grave flatteries Lavished on 'Him' -- that England may rebel Against her ancient virtue. HIGH and LOW, Watchwords of Party, on all tongues are rife; As if a Church, though sprung from heaven, must owe To opposites and fierce extremes her life, -- Not to the golden mean, and quiet flow Of truths that soften hatred, temper strife. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HYMN: 2 by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD STANZAS, OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF A RELATIVE ABROAD by BERNARD BARTON PSALM 23. THE SHEPHERD'S PSALM by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE WATER TOWER AT WALDO by DAISY MARITA BISHOP VOICE FROM THE CHORUS by ALEXANDER (ALEKSANDR) ALEXANDROVICH BLOK THE PRESENT AND THE PAST IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY by CHRETIEN DE TROYES |