Poems — Volume 2 by George Meredith
page 6 of 296 (02%)
page 6 of 296 (02%)
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It is not England that they hear, But mighty Mammon's pipers, trained To trumpet out his moods, and stir His sluggish soul: HER voice is chained: XIX Almost her spirit seems moribund! O teach them, 'tis not she displays The panic of a purse rotund, Eternal dread of evil days, - XX That haunting spectre of success Which shows a heart sunk low in the girths: Not England answers nobleness, - 'Live for thyself: thou art not earth's.' XXI Not she, when struggling manhood tries For freedom, air, a hopefuller fate, Points out the planet, Compromise, And shakes a mild reproving pate: XXII Says never: 'I am well at ease, |
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