SONNET To BRITAIN, 1766

Renown'd Britannia! lov'd parental land! Regard thy Welfare with a watchful eye, Whene'er the wait of want's afflicting hand, Wakes in thy vales the poor's persuasive cry.

When wealth enormous sets the oppressor high, Then bribes thy ductile senators command, And slaves in office freeman's rights withstand, Then NOURN! for then thy fate approaches nigh!

Not for perfidious Gaul, or haughty Spain, Nor all the neighbouring nations of the main; Tho' leagu'd in war, tremendous round the shore— But from THYSELF, thy ruin must proceed: Nor boast thy power; for know it is decreed, Thy Freedom lost, thy power shall be no more.