English poem
“Not To The Object Specially Designed”
Not to the object specially designed, Howe’er momentous in itself it be, Good to promote or curb depravity, Is the wise Legislator’s view confined. His Spirit, when most severe, is oft most kind; As all Authority in earth depends On Love and Fear, their several powers he blends, Copying with awe the one Paternal mind. Uncaught by processes in show humane, He feels how far the act would derogate From even the humblest functions of the State; If she, self-shorn of Majesty, ordain That never more shall hang upon her breath The last alternative of Life or Death.
More by William Wordsworth
- “MOST SWEET IT IS WITH UNUPLIFTED EYES "
- “MY DEAR SIR GEORGE,
- “My Son! Behold The Tide Already Spent”
- “Near Anio’S Stream, I Spied A Gentle Dove”
- “Oh Bounty Without Measure, While The Grace”
- “Oh What A Wreck! How Changed In Mien And Speech!”
- “Our Bodily Life, Some Plead, That Life The Shrine”
- “Peaceful Our Valley, Fair And Green”