Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde
page 10 of 220 (04%)
page 10 of 220 (04%)
|
If Thou in very truth didst burst the tomb
Come down, O Son of Man! and show Thy might Lest Mahomet be crowned instead of Thee! Poem: Quantum Mutata There was a time in Europe long ago When no man died for freedom anywhere, But England's lion leaping from its lair Laid hands on the oppressor! it was so While England could a great Republic show. Witness the men of Piedmont, chiefest care Of Cromwell, when with impotent despair The Pontiff in his painted portico Trembled before our stern ambassadors. How comes it then that from such high estate We have thus fallen, save that Luxury With barren merchandise piles up the gate Where noble thoughts and deeds should enter by: Else might we still be Milton's heritors. Poem: Libertatis Sacra Fames |
|