Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/650

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WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

540
(iv)
It is not to be thought of that the flood Of British freedom, which, to the open sea Of the world's praise, from dark antiquityHath flow'd, 'with pomp of waters, unwithstood,'Roused though it be full often to a mood Which spurns the check of salutary bands, That this most famous stream in bogs and sandsShould perish; and to evil and to goodBe lost for ever. In our halls is hung Armoury of the invincible Knights of old:We must be free or die, who speak the tongue That Shakespeare spake; the faith and morals holdWhich Milton held. In everything we are sprung Of Earth's first blood, have titles manifold.
541
(v)
When I have borne in memory what has tamed Great Nations, how ennobling thoughts depart When men change swords for ledgers, and desertThe student's bower for gold, some fears unnamedI had, my Country—am I to be blamed? Now, when I think of thee, and what thou art, Verily, in the bottom of my heart,Of those unfilial fears I am ashamed.For dearly must we prize thee; we who find In thee a bulwark for the cause of men; And I by my affection was beguiled. What wonder if a Poet now and then,Among the many movements of his mind, Felt for thee as a lover or a child!
618
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