Miscellaneous Sonnets, 1842 - VI - Concluded

Long-favoured England! be not thou misled By monstrous theories of alien growth, Lest alien frenzy seize thee, waxing wroth, Self-smitten till thy garments reek dyed red With thy own blood, which tears in torrents shed Fail to wash out, tears flowing ere thy troth Be plighted, not to ease but sullen sloth, Or wan despair—the ghost of false hope fled Into a shameful grave. Among thy youth, My Country! if such warning be held dear, Then shall a Veteran’s heart be thrilled with joy, One who would gather from eternal truth, For time and season, rules that work to cheer— Not scourge, to save the People—not destroy.