Poems, 1799 by Robert Southey
page 46 of 147 (31%)
page 46 of 147 (31%)
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Makes barren all the better part of man,
MOTHER OF MISERIES. Then the goodly earth Which God had fram'd for happiness, became One theatre of woe, and all that God Had given to bless free men, these tyrant fiends His bitterest curses made. Yet for the best Hath he ordained all things, the ALL-WISE! For by experience rous'd shall man at length Dash down his Moloch-Idols, Samson-like And burst his fetters, only strong whilst strong Believed. Then in the bottomless abyss OPPRESSION shall be chain'd, and POVERTY Die, and with her, her brood of Miseries; And VIRTUE and EQUALITY preserve The reign of LOVE, and Earth shall once again Be Paradise, whilst WISDOM shall secure The state of bliss which IGNORANCE betrayed." "Oh age of happiness!" the Maid exclaim'd, Roll fast thy current, Time till that blest age Arrive! and happy thou my Theodore, Permitted thus to see the sacred depths Of wisdom!" "Such," the blessed Spirit replied, Beloved! such our lot; allowed to range The vast infinity, progressive still In knowledge and encreasing blessedness, This our united portion. Thou hast yet A little while to sojourn amongst men: I will be with thee! there shall not a breeze |
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