Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, INSCRIPTION ON STATUE OF LORD WILLIAM BENTINCK AT CALCUTTA, by THOMAS BABINGTON MACAULAY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

INSCRIPTION ON STATUE OF LORD WILLIAM BENTINCK AT CALCUTTA, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Who, during seven years, ruled india with eminent
Last Line: And paternal administration.
Alternate Author Name(s): Macaulay, 1st Baron
Subject(s): Bentinck, William Cavenish (1774-1839); India


Who, during seven years, ruled India with eminent
Prudence, integrity, and benevolence;
Who, placed at the head of a great empire, never laid aside
The simplicity and moderation of a private citizen;
Who infused into Oriental despotism the spirit of
British Freedom;
Who never forgot that the end of government is
The happiness of the governed;
Who abolished cruel rites;
Who effaced humiliating distinctions;
Who gave liberty to the expression of public opinion;
Whose constant study it was to elevate the intellectual
And moral character of the nations committed to his charge,
This Monument
Was erected by men
Who, differing in race, in manners, in language,
And in religion,
Cherish, with equal veneration and gratitude,
The memory of his wise, upright,
And paternal administration.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net