Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part III. - XI - Sacheverel

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, Watch-words 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.