Page:Poems - Southey (1799) volume 2.djvu/51

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39

The sacrifice is spread, when the grave voiceEpiscopal, proclaims approaching dayOf visitation, or Churchwardens meetTo save the wretched many from the gripeOf eager Poverty, or mid thy hallsOf London, mighty Mayor! rich Aldermen,Of coming feast hold converse.Otherwhere,For tho' allied in nature as in blood,They hold divided sway, his brother liftsHis spungy sceptre. In the noble domesOf Princes, and state-wearied Ministers,Maddening he reigns; and when the affrighted mindCasts o'er a long career of guilt and bloodIts eye reluctant, then his aid is soughtTo lull the worm of Conscience to repose.He too the halls of country Squires frequents,But chiefly loves the learned gloom that shadesThy offspring Rhedycina! and thy walls,
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